Food poisoning is much more common than people realise. With the temptations of numerous cafes and restaurants all around us, the danger of contracting food poisoning has increased rapidly. The impact of food poisoning can vary from being fairly minor to very serious, some cases even leading to fatality.

Food poisoning usually occurs after we eat or drink something that is infected with bacteria. Bacterial poisoning usually occurs when the food has not been heated, stored, or cooked properly. In addition, it can be caused by bad hygiene on the part of the chefs preparing the food. Failing to do simple things like washing hands or using clean utensils can all contribute towards causing food poisoning.

What are some of the symptoms to look out for?

As everyone’s body reacts differently to food poisoning, there are no hard and fast rules on how soon you will become ill after contracting the bacteria. Some people become ill straight away, whilst others may take a few days. How ill a person gets will depend on how healthy the individual is, and the seriousness of the food poisoning itself. Some are able to recover quite quickly, whilst others take longer. Symptoms of food poisoning can vary from case to case, but usually involve vomiting, stomach upsets, dehydration, and fever. Usually these can be cleared up with the right medication. However, some of the more serious cases of food poisoning can lead to death.

E-Coli

E-Coli poisoning is found in the lower intestines of healthy mammals. Once this bacteria is transferred to food it can cause food poisoning if ingested. Washing your hands and cooking food thoroughly is essential in stopping this from happening. It is also important to wash your hands after touching the food so that the bacteria is not transferred to other food through touch.

Avoiding Salmonella poisoning

Salmonella bacteria is usually found in meat and poultry, eggs, and unpasteurised milk. It can also be found in seafood such as prawns and sushi. The same precautions as E-Coli poisoning should be taken here. Firstly, it is important that you heat food thoroughly, particularly with regards to meat. Secondly, it is also important to wash hands thoroughly after handling the food to avoid transferring the bacteria to other food.

It is important you take these steps as once contracted, salmonella food poisoning is particularly hard to get rid of and has the potential of causing serious long-term health problems. The elderly are especially vulnerable as are the ones with a history of health problems.

Am I entitled to make a claim after suffering food poisoning?

If you suspect that your food poisoning was caused as a result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim. You may even be entitled to compensation if you contracted food poisoning whilst abroad on a package holiday.

If you have been a victim of food poisoning, it is important that you retain any medical evidence that supports your claim from your GP. In addition keep hold of any receipts from the restaurant or cafe you suspect you contracted your food poisoning from. Our solicitors will assess your case and help you in your claim.

Ayesha Salim , editor of the UK Lawyers Network, writes articles about Solicitors, solicitor, accident compensation, find a solicitor, legal, lawyer, law help advice, solicitors litigation

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