HPA And Local Authorities Identify Bacteria

Lawyers representing victims affected by illness outbreaks in the UK and abroad have welcomed the response of authorities to food poisoning problems in Essex which may potentially be linked to the death of a woman and reportedly left up to 30 people ill.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said those affected reported illness symptoms after eating at the Railway Hotel pub in Hornchurch on Christmas Day and revealed that Clostridium perfringens bacteria was found in samples submitted by diners for testing.

A joint investigation by the HPA and Havering Council’s environmental health experts is now underway to determine whether there is a link to the outbreak and the food at the pub.

Ember Inns, which runs the Railway Hotel, has confirmed it is fully co-operating with the authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.

Irwin Mitchell’s team of illness lawyers has vast experience in acting for people who have suffered serious illness problems as a result of outbreaks across the UK and the world.

They notably act for around 50 people affected by major Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks in Stoke-on-Trent and Edinburgh last year, as well as passengers recently affected by illness problems on the cruise ship Oriana.

Suki Chhokar, a Partner and an expert in illness claims at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Reports of these problems are clearly a huge cause for concern, but it is very welcome to see the HPA and local authorities have taken quick steps within the past week to investigate these illness problems and identify the bacteria involved.

“The fundamental priority at present will now be confirming the link to a potential source, while subsequent assessment will be needed as to whether recognised hygiene and other safety standards were implemented.

“Like many of the cases we have been involved in, this case has highlighted the terrible impact that illness outbreaks can have on victims and it is absolutely vital that every effort is made to understand what happened here with a view to preventing the same problems from emerging again.”

If you or a loved one has suffered food poisoning due to poor hygiene standards, our illness compensation claims team could help you secure compensation. See our Food Poisoning Compensation page for more information.