Food poisoning can cause significant illness and disruption to daily life. While many cases resolve within a relatively short period of time, some people experience more severe symptoms that require medical treatment or lead to longer-term health complications.

Food poisoning is often caused by harmful bacteria, viruses or other contaminants entering food during preparation, storage or handling. Where reasonable standards of food safety have not been followed, it may be possible to bring a personal injury claim.

If you have become ill after consuming contaminated food, compensation may be available depending on the circumstances.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or drink.

Contamination may occur through:

• Harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli or Campylobacter
• Viruses and other microorganisms
• Cross-contamination during food preparation
• Improper food storage
• Undercooked food
• Poor hygiene practices

Symptoms can develop within hours or several days after exposure, depending on the cause of the infection.

How food poisoning happens

Food poisoning can arise in a variety of situations, including:

• Restaurants, cafés and takeaways

• Hotels and holiday accommodation
• Workplace catering facilities
• Schools and care settings
• Events and functions
• Packaged food products

Common causes include:

• Food stored at unsafe temperatures
• Inadequate cooking or reheating
• Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods
• Poor hand hygiene
• Unsafe food handling procedures
• Failure to identify contaminated food products

In some cases, multiple people become ill from the same source.

Symptoms of food poisoning

Symptoms vary depending on the type of contamination and the individual affected.

Common symptoms include:

• Stomach pain and cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Fatigue

While many people recover without complications, some cases can result in more serious illness requiring medical attention or hospital treatment.

Responsibilities for food safety

Businesses and organisations involved in preparing, serving or selling food are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure food is safe for consumption.

This may include:

• Following food hygiene regulations
• Storing food correctly
• Maintaining clean preparation areas
• Training staff appropriately
• Preventing cross-contamination
• Monitoring food temperatures and storage conditions

Where these responsibilities are not met and illness occurs, liability may arise.

The impact of food poisoning

Food poisoning can affect many aspects of daily life.

This may include:

• Time away from work
• Loss of earnings
• Medical treatment
• Disruption to travel or events
• Ongoing digestive symptoms
• Longer-term health complications in some cases

The effects can be particularly significant where illness is severe or recovery is prolonged.

Claiming compensation for food poisoning

If food poisoning was caused by contaminated food that should reasonably have been safe to consume, compensation may be available.

A claim may take into account:

• The severity of the illness
• Medical treatment received
• Financial losses
• The impact on daily life
• Recovery time
• Any ongoing symptoms or complications

Each claim will depend on the available evidence and the circumstances surrounding the illness.

How our personal injury solicitors can help

Our Personal Injury team can assist with food poisoning claims by:

• Reviewing how the illness occurred

• Assessing whether appropriate food safety measures were followed
• Gathering medical and supporting evidence
• Considering who may be responsible
• Explaining funding options, including no win no fee arrangements and Legal Expenses Insurance, where available

We assess each case based on its own facts and circumstances.

What happens first?

The first step is a confidential, no-obligation conversation.

We will listen to what has happened, explain whether a claim may be possible and discuss the options available.

There is no pressure to proceed, and any discussion can take place at a pace that feels right for you.

Time limits for food poisoning claims

Personal injury claims are subject to time limits. In most cases, a claim must be started within three years of the illness or the date you became aware that your illness may have been caused by contaminated food.

Because evidence relating to food poisoning can become more difficult to obtain over time, it is often helpful to seek advice as early as possible.

Food poisoning claims – frequently asked questions

Can I claim compensation for food poisoning?

A claim may be possible where the illness was caused by food that was unsafe to consume and reasonable food safety standards were not met.

Do I need medical evidence?

Medical records are often an important part of establishing the nature of the illness and its impact.

What if other people became ill after eating the same food?

This may be relevant when investigating the source of the contamination and how the illness occurred.

Can I claim for food poisoning suffered abroad?

This will depend on the circumstances, including where the illness occurred and who may be responsible.

How long do food poisoning symptoms usually last?

The duration of symptoms varies depending on the cause of the illness and the individual affected.

Speak to us about a food poisoning claim

If you have suffered food poisoning and believe it may have been caused by contaminated food, we understand how disruptive this can be to your health, work and daily life.

An initial conversation can help you understand your position and what options may be available, with no obligation to proceed.

Contact our Personal Injury team to discuss a food poisoning claim in confidence.

Contact our Personal Injury team at Clarkson Wright & Jakes on 01689 887887 or at cwj@cwj.co.uk to discuss an electric shock or electrocution claim. 

Alternatively, you can complete our Personal Injury Calculator here.