It is easy to become a victim of food poisoning if you are not careful in preparing food, or if you happen to eat out somewhere where they were negligent in their handling of the food. It has become quite common to contract food poisoning, and the seriousness of it can vary from case to case.
Food poisoning commonly occurs when an individual eats or drinks something that is infected with some form of chemicals or parasites. However, the most commonly reported form of food poisoning is bacterial poisoning. Bacterial poisoning usually occurs when the food has not been heated, stored, or cooked properly. Bad hygiene on the parts of the chefs preparing food can also be a contributing factor. Some restaurants fail in washing hands before and after handling food, or using unclean kitchen utensils.
What are some of the symptoms of food poisoning?
The symptoms may vary from individual to individual, as each person reacts differently to the poisoning. Some people become very ill and take many days, even weeks to recover. Others recover quickly. The person’s health history and how bad the contraction was will all determine how fast they recover. The most common symptoms, however, usually involve vomiting, stomach upsets, dehydration, and fever. Usually the doctor will be able to prescribe medication that can help clear these up. However, some of the more serious cases of food poisoning can lead to death.
Avoiding E-Coli poisoning
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.
Salmonella food poisoning
This type of bacteria is usually found in meat and poultry, eggs, and unpasteurised milk. It can also be found in untreated water and seafood. In order to avoid salmonella poisoning, it is essential that you heat food thoroughly, particularly with regards to meat. It is also important to wash hands thoroughly after handling the food to avoid transferring the bacteria to other food.
Unfortunately, salmonella food poisoning is particularly hard to get rid of once ingested, and has the potential of causing serious long-term health problems. The particularly vulnerable members of society include the elderly and 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, Lawyer, accident compensation, find a solicitor, legal, lawyer, law help advice, solicitors litigation