Make a claim for food poisoning

Food poisoning can vary from the mild to the severe cases which may result in dehydration, cramps and, potentially, organ failure or death. Unfortunately, each year in the UK thousands of people suffer a range of food-borne illnesses, from campylobacter and E coli to salmonella or Listeria, as a result of eating contaminated food – in many cases those affected will go on to successfully make a food poisoning compensation claim.

Types of food poisoning

Listeria

This type of bacteria is most frequently found on soft cheeses, salads, pate or meat or poultry. The symptoms of listeria infection can range from relatively mild flu-type symptoms to more severe symptoms such as meningitis or septicaemia. It is especially dangerous to unborn children, particularly in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Campylobacter

Often called the "barbecue bug", campylobacter is the most common of all food poisoning strains in the UK.

Frequently caused by undercooked meat, poultry such as chicken or turkey, or shellfish, campylobacter can cause a range of painful gastrointestinal symptoms but is rarely life-threatening.

E coli

There are different strains of E coli and, depending on the health of the sufferer, these may produce varying severity of symptoms but at worst may cause kidney failure and prove fatal.

Undercooked meats and unpasteurised dairy products are two major sources of E coli infection, as well as raw, unwashed vegetables.

Salmonella

The major causes of this type of infection are raw meat, raw poultry and raw eggs. Symptoms can include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, septicaemia or peritonitis.

Norwalk-like viruses

Norwalk-like viruses are most commonly found in shellfish such as oysters and clams, and causes symptoms such as aching muscles, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. It is rarely very serious, and usually lasts for 2-3 days.

Norovirus can also be picked up via food. 

Common foods that cause food poisoning

• Undercooked meats, especially chicken and turkey, which is served in large quantities over Christmas
• Seafood, including all types of fish such as salmon and prawns
• Oysters
• Rice
• Pasta
• Milk
• Eggs
• Soft Cheeses
• Mouldy foods

Places where you can contract food poisoning

Food can be contaminated with bacteria in any places it is prepared due to poor hygeine or questionable sources of food supplies. Common places illness is contracted due to food served to you include:

• Restaurant, bar or pub
• Café
• Hotel 
• At an event
• Workplace canteens
• School or university canteens

Compensation can be sought in the event that any of these places causes a person to become ill by serving them contaminated food.

Make a claim with YouClaim

Food poisoning can cause very serious symptoms can may even result in long-term health problems.

If you have suffered the misfortune of eating contaminated food, our lawyers can help you build the strongest possible case for compensation. What's more, we offer our clients a no win, no fee service - in the event your claim is not successful, you won't be charged a penny, so it really does mean that making a claim with us is completely risk-free.  

To find out more about how we may be able to help you, call us on 0800 10 757 95 or click the "start claim" button at the top of the page.