Food Poisoning on Holiday – FAQ’s and Advice

Food poisoning and sickness on holiday can spoil your annual trip and leave you out of pocket.

You may endure prolonged bouts of diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headaches fatigue and vomiting after eating food which has become contaminated at your holiday hotel.

1. Can I Claim Compensation?

Any type of holiday illness or injury can be claimed for if the tour operator was at fault for poor standards of health and safety and food hygiene.

Holidaymakers legally have three years in which to make a claim for compensation against the tour operator if they experience illness on holiday which is related to the standards of hygiene and food. In the case of children the three years start from the date the child reaches eighteen.

However it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible, when details of the illness are fresh in your mind.

It will back up your claim if other holidaymakers come forward who have suffered food poisoning at the same time as you after eating the same food .

Hundreds of food poisoning compensation claims are currently being handled by holiday illness solicitors in the UK, after major outbreaks of sickness occurred at package tour hotels in, Cuba, Mexico, Egypt, Turkey, Spain, The Dominican Republic and The Maldives during the past 18 months.

Commonly asked questions about food poisoning on holiday include:

2. What foods are considered high risk?

All foods can become contaminated if they are not cooked properly or stored and handled correctly, but Salmonella bacteria are most likely to contaminate undercooked eggs, chicken, minced meat products and burgers.

3. How best to avoid holiday food poisoning?

You can help avoid holiday food poisoning by never eating foods which contain raw egg product, checking all meats are cooked through. Foods which are open to fly and insect contamination and foods which are not cooked to the correct temperature should always be avoided.

4. If I contract holiday food poisoning what should I do?

Make a complaint to the holiday representative at the hotel and keep a copy of the written complaint form then seek the advice of a doctor at the resort. Drink plenty of fluids and rest.

5. Should I accept compensation from the tour operator?

Never accept compensation directly from the holiday representative or the tour operator as it could prevent you from claiming compensation when you return home.

Seek legal advice in the UK before accepting any offer from the tour operator as you could be entitled to much more.


6. When I arrive home can I claim for loss of earnings if I am still suffering holiday illness symptoms?

Yes, you can claim for the loss of enjoyment of your holiday, your suffering and pain, your loss of earnings and medical expenses if you are still suffering illness when you return to the UK.

You could still be entitled to claim compensation from the tour operator even if your symptoms are mild.

Food poisoning can be severe and, if you suffer symptoms of diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting on holiday abroad, caused by the negligence of the tour operator, you could claim a significant amount of compensation when you return to the UK.

To make a claim for compensation from the tour operator contact a no win, no fee personal injury solicitor who specialises in holiday claims who can give you the guidance and support you need.

Shelley Sonnei writes article about Food Poisoning Claims and Food Poisoing Abroad for Holiday Compensation Claims Solicitors