
Food Poisoning Claims
Get the compensation you deserve if you have suffered food poisoning in the UK or overseas, especially if you needed time off work and lost earnings.

Make a food poisoning claim with Irwin Mitchell
Get all the help you need to recover from food poisoning, whether it happened at an event in the UK or a restaurant while you were on holiday.
Food poisoning can sometimes cause life-changing illnesses that can stop you from working. You could also experience psychological conditions like phobias of eating in restaurants. We have helped many clients who have had serious conditions, so we know how debilitating it can be. We also know how to get the best settlement in serious cases.
It’s quite common for more than one person to contract food poisoning from the same place. If you know of anyone else who got sick because of poor catering at an event, a restaurant or takeaway, you could make a group claim. We are very experienced in representing groups of people as well as individuals.
Not only will you receive expert legal advice from the UK's number one legal experts for personal injury, but you’ll also get access to our Support and Rehabilitation team if you’re suffering from any longer-term effects of food poisoning. We can help with your financial recovery as well as your physical and mental wellbeing. Get in touch today to find out more.

What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning is caused by the presence of bacteria, parasites or viral infections in the food you have eaten. This could be because:
- Food hasn’t been cooked enough to kill bacteria
- Food hasn’t been refrigerated or covered correctly
- Bacteria have passed from one piece of food to another
- The food preparation area hasn’t been cleaned to the correct standard.
There are several food poisoning types you can claim for, including viral, bacterial or parasitic. These could be due to:
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- E.coli
- Shigella
- Giardia
- Norovirus
- Rotavirus
- Cryptosporidium
- Poor food hygiene.
Although most cases of food poisoning cause mild issues and people recover quickly, the impact can be more serious. If you have had an allergic reaction after consuming food or drink you thought was safe, we may be able to help you claim compensation.
Meet a specialist from our team
Our market leading team will help you understand your rights, secure the compensation you’re owed, and access vital support – from rehabilitation to long-term care.


£300,000 collective settlement for group claim against Mr Porky
Our public health team helped nine individuals claim against Mr Porky's products after their pork scratchings caused salmonella poisoning. The group received a collective settlement of over £300,000 and will have access to specialist medical treatment.
Get the help you need
Contact us today for a free initial consultation to talk through your compensation claim for food poisoning
08006906305
Making an enquiry
We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.
Complete our online formWe need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phoneOn the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointmentIf we’re able to support you further, the next step is an appointment with one of our specialists so we can discuss everything in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you had food poisoning and you are wondering if you can claim for it? We have the answers to all your questions, thanks to our decades of experience in helping people like you get the support they need.Most people will experience a combination of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the stool
- Loss of appetite
- High temperature or fever
- Aches and pains
- General feeling of weakness.
Although most cases of food poisoning cause mild issues and people recover quickly, the impact can be more serious.
Expert comment
Stay up to date with the latest commentary on food poisoning from our expert solicitors.
Food-poisoning outbreak reportedly sweeps through school ski tripJatinder PaulReports say hundreds of people, including British schoolchildren, have been affected by an illness outbreak at a French ski resort.
Expert holiday illness lawyer's key advice for holidaymakersJennifer HodgsonMore than 100 guests, including children and a pregnant woman, have reportedly suffered suspected salmonella poisoning after dining at the four-star Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga, Spain, over the bank holiday weekend.
Download Music Festival Rocked by Food Poisoning OutbreakSimon LomaxFollowing an outbreak of food poisoning at the event, our specialist illness team has been instructed by heavy metal fans after two food vendors were shut down.
E.coli outbreak: key advice to reduce the risk of infectionSarita SharmaA large number of people have contracted E.coli following an outbreak connected to a “nationally distributed food item”.
Our commitment to you
Our experts always start by listening, so we understand what matters most from day one.- 01Clear legal guidance
You will always get straightforward, honest advice, with regular updates to keep you clear on the way forward.
- 02Specialist knowledge
A wide-ranging team of trusted specialists who understand what it takes to protect your future, your family or your business.
- 03Your needs first
Whether you’re navigating complex personal situations or business decisions, we take the time to understand your world and what’s at stake.
Related services
We can help with legal guidance and advice as well as other services you might need to aid your recovery and get your life back on track.Irwin Mitchell Scotland
Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.


