Food poisoning claims

Food poisoning occurs when you eat food that is inadequately prepared, contaminated or uncooked. Most cases are caused by bacteria, parasites or viral infections in a food source. 

While most cases of food poisoning are mild, it can be a serious illness for some people. In rare cases, food poisoning can even lead to death. 

Although you don't expect to get food poisoning when you go to a restaurant, café or from supermarket produce, food poisoning is surprisingly common. According to statistics from the Food Standards Agency, each year there are around 2.4 million cases of foodborne disease in the UK. 

Yes. You can make a food poisoning compensation claim if you get food poisoning because of someone else's negligence. You can make a claim against large corporations, small independent restaurants, cafes or even a friend who cooked you dinner without following relevant food preparation guidelines. 

Food poisoning compensation aims to make up for your pain and suffering. It also covers financial losses like the cost of private treatment or any loss of earnings. For example, if you are self-employed and can't work due to severe food poisoning, you can usually claim for the amount of money that you would have earned in that time.

If you've bought food from a supermarket, food retailer or outlet, under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, all companies must ensure that food is free of harmful bacteria. If a food outlet fails to do this, it will be liable and may be required to pay you food poisoning compensation.

To prove that you have suffered from food poisoning at the hands of someone else, you will need to visit a hospital or GP. They will confirm your diagnosis by taking a stool or blood sample and confirm the cause. For example, they will tell you whether your food poisoning was caused by bacteria, parasites or a virus. 

As the bacteria will only be in your system for a few days, it's important to visit a hospital or GP surgery as soon as possible if you wish to make a claim for food poisoning. 

You should also:

• Keep any food packaging 
• Keep your receipts 
• Collect the names and details of any witnesses
• List all of the food items that you consumed before becoming ill

Whether you're ready to make a claim for food poisoning or would just like more information, we're on hand to help.

When you speak to us, we're happy to answer any questions that you might have. We'll also let you know whether we think that you can make a food poisoning personal injury claim, so that you can decide whether you'd like to go ahead.

There's no pressure; if you feel ready to speak to them and we think that you do have a claim, we can put you forward to one of our personal injury solicitors.

On your call with us, our advisors will listen to everything that you say about your experience, so that they can get a clear idea of what caused your food poisoning and the impacts that it has had.

Your solicitor will also speak to you about your experience. If you want to start a claim for food poisoning, and you give them your permission, they'll then get in touch with the other party and negotiate your compensation for you.

Although it's difficult to say exactly how much compensation you will get if you make a food poisoning claim, the Judicial College set out some general damages guidelines for all personal injury types. These guide amounts can be found in the Judicial Guidelines. 

How long a claim takes depends on how complex your case is and whether the other party accepts liability. If the other party takes the blame for your food poisoning, this will significantly reduce the time that it takes for you to receive compensation. In some instances, the case can be settled in just a few months. 

If you've suffered from food poisoning because of someone else's negligence, call us for free on or request a call back. Our experienced food poisoning personal injury solicitors will listen to your circumstances and be able to tell you how long your claim is likely to take.

Yes, you can. If you contract food poisoning while on holiday, you can still claim compensation if it was because of someone else's negligence. 

Learn more about how to make a food poisoning personal injury claim while on holiday. 

Food poisoning is usually caused by poor hygiene, such as:

• The chef, or other kitchen staff, not washing their hands when preparing your food
• Dirty kitchen tools being used
• Mixing raw and cooked meat
• Cooking or preparing food in a dirty environment
• Dangerous chemicals contaminating food

If any of these caused your food poisoning, then the establishment that cooked for you was negligent and failed to follow The Consumer Protection Act 1987 - the rules about food safety.

In most instances, making a food poisoning compensation claim can highlight safety problems with food preparation. This may lead to changes which could stop other people getting food poisoning in the future.

Symptoms of food poisoning can be very unpleasant. According to the NHS, some of the most common symptoms of food poisoning, include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Stomach cramps
• Stomach upsets

Most symptoms will usually clear up after a day or two and can be treated with over-the-counter medicines from your local chemist.

But in some cases, vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration, serious injury and hospital treatment.

If you've suffered from any of the symptoms of food poisoning, we recommend that you get in touch with us on  for free, to see if you can make a claim.

Food poisoning can be caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses. Most cases, though, are caused by bacteria.

Bacterial food poisoning from E. coli and Salmonella.

E.coli

E.coli is a bacterium that normally lives in the intestines -- it can cause abdominal pain, stomach upset and fever.

You can contact E.coli from meat, vegetables and fruit.

E.coli contamination can be prevented by kitchen staff by regularly washing their hands. It can also be prevented by making sure that food is properly cooked and that ingredients, such as vegetables, are washed beforehand.

Salmonella

Salmonella is also a type of bacteria and can be prevented in similar ways. It can be found in meat and poultry, eggs, seafood, milk and untreated water.

The effects of salmonella poisoning (salmonellosis) can sometimes be life-altering. In some cases, it can cause lasting bowel problems and joint pain. It can also reoccur, especially if you're run down or elderly.