FSA Puts Total Number Of Cases At 2.4m A Year

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have echoed calls from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for good personal and food hygiene practices, after reports put the number of UK food poisoning cases at 2.4 million – twice as many as previously thought.

The FSA said new research had provided a more accurate assessment of how many cases of infectious intestinal diseases (IID) were caused by food.

Despite the doubling of the numbers, the FSA said this did not represent an increase in total IID or any new risk to public health.

Eating out accounted for 37 per cent of norovirus cases (a well-known IID), while takeaways account for 26 per cent, as reported in The Guardian.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist public health lawyers have represented thousands of people who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses such as norovirus, salmonella and E Coli.

The legal experts acted for almost 300 people regarding norovirus problems linked to the Toby Carvery Exeter Arms pub; and secured a six-figure settlement for 28 victims of a salmonella outbreak linked to the Real China restaurant in Eastleigh in 2014.

Expert Opinion

“While this rise in the number of IID cases is not considered a new risk to public health, many will consider 2.4 million cases of food poisoning an unacceptably high number.

The millions affected will remain anxious to know how they contracted such a devastating illness. Working with clients who make up these numbers, we know only too well that those struck down with gastric illness such as norovirus can be left facing long-term symptoms.

Even in milder IID cases, symptoms can persist for several months, meaning many of those affected may need ongoing help and support to overcome their illness.

Food hygiene and the safety of customers must be the first concern of any establishment but the sheer number of cases suggests lessons on good personal and food hygiene are still not being learned. It’s vital this is addressed and that other contributing factors are identified if we are to reduce the volume of incidents.” Suki Chhokar - Partner