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Personal injury, youclaim.co.uk

How to prevent campylobacter infection

According to the NHS, campylobacter is the most common bacterial cause of food poisoning in England. These microorganisms can often be found in undercooked or raw poultry and cause a variety of illnesses.

If someone contracts an illness due to these germs, he or she may be entitled to make a food poisoning claim if another party failed to adequately prepare their meal.

After being infected with campylobacter, the incubation period usually lasts between two to five days. Victims may eventually suffer abdominal pain and diarrhoea, amongst other symptoms. Fortunately, as the condition is often self-limiting, patients usually recover in a matter of weeks with no medical intervention.

However, in rare circumstances, sufferers may require antibiotics or intravenous fluids to fully recuperate.

Campylobacter is a frequent cause of food-borne illnesses – but can be easily prevented.

Preventing campylobacter infection

The Food Safety Act 1990 states a person is not allowed to sell food which is neither of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the consumer.

To ensure dishes are adequately prepared, chefs and other kitchen staff must:

  • Cook all poultry products thoroughly by ensuring meat is cooked throughout and juices run clear;

  • Wash hands with soap before preparing food, after handling raw meat and prior to touching anything else; and;

  • Prevent cross-contamination by using separate chopping boards, countertops or utensils.

If a person caught campylobacter after preparing meals themselves, he or she may be unable to make a food poisoning claim. However, if someone else prepared provisions and failed to ensure they were fit for human consumption, those adversely affected may be able to receive compensation.

Contaminated supermarket chickens

In 2012, a study by consumer group Which? found one in five supermarket chickens were contaminated with campylobacter.

The organisation took chicken samples from nine supermarkets and found 17% also had listeria while 1.5% contained salmonella.

Chicken is a safe and healthy product. However, to ensure the wellbeing of consumers, it must be cooked thoroughly; otherwise customers could suffer as a result.

Claim compensation with YouClaim

When we purchase food, we expect it to be fit for human consumption. Suppliers should recognise this and take reasonable precautions at every stage of production to minimise harm to consumers.

If you have suffered campylobacteriosis, you may be entitled to claim compensation providing the incident which caused you to fall ill was not your fault.

To find out if you can make a food poisoning claim, please contact YouClaim on 0800 10 757 95 and if the claim is successful, you will receive 100% of any funds awarded.