Legal Experts Call On Authorities To Work Quickly As Confirmed Cases Reach 50

By Rob Dixon

Lawyers representing victims of illness outbreaks in the UK and abroad have called on health authorities to work quickly to conclude investigations into a salmonella outbreak, which has affected more than 50 people.

The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that 21 cases have been reported in Wales and 30 in England, with nine victims receiving hospital treatment and other cases also under investigation.

According to the organisation, the outbreak was first detected in Conwy and Gwynedd, with other clusters emerging in the Thames Valley, Leeds, Cumbria and Stafford. The age range of victims involved spans from seven months to 87 years.

It has also been confirmed that ham from a small independent butchers has been identified as a potential common link, with testing carried out on products supplied to a number of other companies. No salmonella was found, but other hygiene issues led to a supplier withdrawing some batches.

Irwin Mitchell’s team of specialist illness lawyers represent people affected by food poisoning outbreaks in the UK, on cruise ships or in holiday resorts across the globe. The experts notably represented victims of a salmonella outbreak linked to a food festival in Newcastle earlier this year.

Amandeep Dhillon, an expert in illness claims at the national law firm, said: “While it is welcome to see that investigations in relation to this outbreak are progressing, the sheer scale of these problems is a massive concern.

“All of those affected, as well as their loved ones and their local communities, will be rightly demanding answers over how these issues emerged and what is being done to prevent them from occurring again.

“Through our work, we have seen first-hand not only the terrible health issues that salmonella can cause, but also the frustrations and anger that victims face following such problems. We have successfully acted for many thousands of victims of Salmonella and other gastric illness, many in large group actions where hundreds of members of the public have been affected and instructed us to represent them.

“There is recognised guidance in place regarding the prevention of illness outbreaks such as salmonella and it is vital lessons are learned from these problems to ensure such regulations remain robust and strong enough to prevent such issues.”

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