DON’T GET AN UNWANTED PRESENT OF FOOD POISOINING THIS CHRISTMAS

If you are anything like us you love the food at Christmas and we know that many of you will be visiting restaurants for Christmas parties and generally to indulge in Christmas cuisine. We hope you have an amazing meal and that Christmas this year will not be spoilt because of food poisoning suffered at any of the restaurants you visit.

You need to be aware that if you are pregnant, elderly,  already suffering from an illness or a child it is likely that you will be more susceptible to food poisoning.   Symptoms of food poisoning are an upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhoea and in most instances will only last a short period however, food poisoning unfortunately can be more serious and cause prolonged illness and in extreme cases can result in death.   Most cases of food poisoning are caused by Salmonella bacteria but there are many bacteria including E-Coli and Listeria.

If you are unfortunate enough to be affected by one of the more serious forms of bacteria you could end up being hospitalised.

What can you do if you think you have suffered from food poisoning because of food eaten at a particular restaurant this Christmas.    Well on one of the first things that you can do is go to your doctor immediately, he will be able to take a stool sample to check for bacteria.     If you were eating with friends and family members or office colleagues,  it will help if you can find out whether anyone else had similar symptoms.  If you do know anyone else who has also suffered with food poisoning after eating at the same restaurant  ask them if they will provide a  statement confirming that they have also been ill due to food poisoning.

We hope you have an amazing Christmas holiday and that you enjoy every morsel that you eat.

The information herewith gives general guidance. It should not be regarded or relied upon as a complete or authoritative statement of the law or treated as a substitute for specific legal advice concerning individual situations