What sorts of food poisoning can I claim for?

Food poisoning takes many forms in the UK and can have very serious consequences. So if you have suffered food poisoning that was caused by any of these viral, bacterial or parasitic conditions, you may have grounds for claiming food poisoning compensation:

• Salmonella
• Shigella
• E.coli
• Giardia
• Norovirus
• Rotavirus
• Campylobacter
• Cryptosporidium

Unusually, you do not have to prove negligence in order for your food poisoning claim to succeed, only that:

• The food was not safe
• You have been ill
• The unsafe food made you ill

In fact, under the terms of the The Consumer Protection Act 1987, if you can establish the source of the food poisoning, infection or allergic reaction, then the law imposes a 'strict liability' rule on the offending restaurant, shop or supplier. Here's what to do if you are worried about contaminated food.

Food poisoning claims guide

How is food poisoning caused?

Whether food poisoning stems from a snack or meal you ate in a restaurant, or one you bought in a supermarket, the reasons behind it are usually:

• Food has been insufficiently cooked to kill bacteria
• Food has not been refrigerated or covered
• Bacteria has passed from food to food
• Poor hygiene standards have affected preparation

You can find out more about the causes of food poisoning on the food standards agency website. You will also receive useful advice and possibly even support in gathering evidence for a compensation claim from your local Environmental Health Officer.

We also offer guides on what restaurants should be doing in an effort to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Can I claim for a food allergy reaction?

The law states that all food and drink sold in the UK is required to clearly declare the presence of known allergens including nuts or dairy products in signage and packaging.

Where this has not been done satisfactorily and an allergic reaction has occurred - whatever its level of seriousness - a food poisoning compensation claim may be in order.

How do I claim for food poisoning?

Whether you have suffered food poisoning or an allergic reaction to food, gathering evidence as early as possible is essential. So if you believe you have been the victim of someone else's negligence, take these steps as soon as possible:

• Seek immediate medical assistance
• Inform your local Environmental Health Department
• Stay off work or school for 48 hours to avoid contagion
• Write a list of everything you ate in the previous 24 hours
• Keep suspect food, if you still have it, in its packaging
• Preserve the food (i.e. freeze it) but seal it in polythene first
• Keep all relevant receipts from restaurants or supermarkets
• Collect names and contact details of witnesses

You will also need to keep this evidence, and have medical evidence from a gastroenterologist in order to help us prove your illness and its seriousness. Once this is done, it's time to ask us about making a food poisoning compensation claim.

Speak to a specialist food poisoning solicitor

Food poisoning claims are quite a specialised area of the law, so it makes sense to deal with solicitors who have extensive experience and a track record of successful food poisoning compensation claims.

We employ specialist food poisoning solicitors who aim to be as considerate and supportive as possible throughout the claims process. Contact us on 0330 041 5869 or online here about a food poisoning compensation claim.