Illness Lawyers Call For Urgent Answers After 12 Cases Are Confirmed

Legal experts who represent victims of food poisoning outbreaks in the UK and abroad have called on Public Health Wales to work quickly to prevent the further spread of salmonella in Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire areas, after 12 cases of the illness were confirmed.

The health authority has confirmed that the cases all relate to adults, with ten reporting to have eaten laverbread in the days prior to feeling unwell. Three people needed hospital treatment as a result of the illness and have now been discharged.

Local company Penclawdd Shellfish Processing Ltd has voluntarily withdrawn its laverbread from sale as a precaution. Product sampling at this stage has not proved a firm link between the products and the outbreak.

Public Health Wales recommends that anyone who has bought laverbread which may been produced by the company to throw it away.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist illness lawyers have helped hundreds of people affected by food poisoning problems in the UK, on cruise ships and in holiday resorts across the globe to gain justice in relation to the problems they have suffered.

Expert Opinion

It is very worrying to see reports on these problems emerge, especially in light of the impact such illnesses can have. Last year more than 20 people were affected by a salmonella outbreak in Conwy and Gwynedd.

"Through our work, we have seen numerous cases where people have gone to suffer serious long-term health problems as a result of salmonella and other illnesses, so the seriousness of these problems should not be underestimated.

"It is vital that Public Health Wales, local authorities and the Food Standards Agency work quickly and thoroughly to investigate the cause of the outbreak, with the ultimate aim of identifying a common source and preventing any further people from being affected by the illness.

"All of the victims, their families and the wider community will be desperate for answers as to the cause of the outbreak." Suki Chhokar - Partner

If you or a loved one has suffered food poisoning due to poor hygiene standards, our illness solicitors could help you claim compensation. Visit our Food Poisoning Claims page for more information.