Lawyers Call On Authorities to Work Quickly To Address Concerns

Specialist illness lawyers representing thousands of victims of outbreaks in the UK and abroad have urged authorities in Nottingham to work quickly to provide answers after more than 100 people have suffered gastric illness problems in the city. 

Amongst the 135 reportedly affected, 17 confirmed cases of E. coli have been identified.  After initial investigations by the City Council, the Magistrates Court closed The Khyber Pass takeaway on Gregory Boulevard, Hyson Green, Nottingham on 26 June 2014 so that further investigations could be undertaken. 

It has been reported that these investigations by Public Health England are still ongoing and the restaurant is now expected to remain closed investigations have been completed. Samples have been taken from the site and anyone affected by illness has been asked to seek medical advice.

The reported problems have arisen despite The Khyber Pass having been awarded the top food hygiene rating of 5 in the last inspection of the premises which took place in April 2013, and a number of positive reviews of the takeaway on consumer website Trip Advisor.

Irwin Mitchell’s illness lawyers have helped thousands of people affected by illness outbreaks at restaurants, food outlets and holiday resorts both in the UK and abroad to gain justice regarding the problems that they have faced.

They notably act for more than 40 victims of a salmonella outbreak at the Street Spice Food Festival in Newcastle in 2013, as well as a child who contracted E-coli after visiting a petting farm in East Yorkshire.

Expert Opinion

It is very worrying to see these reports emerge and the priority at present is to ensure that anyone affected is able to get the medical advice and support they need.

"Our work on behalf of victims of illness outbreaks both here in the UK and abroad means that we understand the impact that gastric illness can have on those affected – often leaving people with long-term health problems from which in some cases they may never recover.

"We have seen in particular the serious impact that an E. coli infection can have. E. coli is a serious bacterial infection which can lead to long-term health problems, such as kidney failure, from which the victims may never fully recover. The effect that E. coli can have on children in particular can be significant and anyone who is concerned that they or any of their relatives are suffering symptoms should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

"We welcome the steps taken to address the outbreak of illness in Nottingham and we hope that a thorough investigation can be completed quickly to provide comprehensive answers regarding the source and cause of the outbreak." Amandeep Dhillon - Partner