Salmonella Illness In Turkey

If you have suffered Salmonella illness in Turkey or any other type of holiday illness on holiday which was caused by poor food and hygiene standards, you should make a claim against the tour operator when you return to the UK.

Salmonella food poisoning and other illnesses have affected hundreds of holidaymakers in Turkish hotels during the past few years and some hotels have even seen repeat outbreaks, causing prolonged bouts of vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Often holidaymakers are still ill when they return to the UK and require more medical treatment.

Many all inclusive hotels serve food buffet-style to hundreds of holidaymakers every day and, if strict standards of health and hygiene are not met, outbreaks of illness can easily occur. When food is served buffet-style it must be maintained at the correct temperatures and also kept covered at all times. Chilled food should be kept cool and hot food should always be served piping hot and not lukewarm. Salmonella bacteria can multiply quickly when food is either past its sell by date or when it is not cooked thoroughly.

Never eat meat which is pink in the middle especially chicken, mince or burgers and always make sure salads are chilled when served. Salad dressings should never be left out in the open, particularly mayonnaise and dressings which contain egg products. Only drink bottled water which has the seal intact and never eat food which is reheated day after day.

Salmonella food poisoning usually passes in 3-4 days but it can be dangerous if you dont seek medical help quickly and babies, small children, older people and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to become seriously ill. The biggest danger of contracting Salmonella is dehydration. When people become dehydrated after prolonged bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea they can become seriously ill and may need to be rehydrated via an intravenous drip and/or be prescribed antibiotics by a doctor.

Once you return to the UK, get checked out again by your doctor to make sure you are not still harbouring the illness and then seek the advice of a personal injury solicitor who specialises in cases of holiday illness compensation. Choose a solicitor who works on a no win, no fee basis, and one who will pay you 100% of the compensation. Most cases of Salmonella food poisoning occur in summer as bacteria multiply much more quickly in warm environments.

Food poisoning and other illnesses can completely ruin your holiday and, if your sickness is a result of negligence on the part of the tour operator, you are entitled to claim compensation. Tour operators make millions of pounds each year from holidaymakers and, if your holiday has been spoilt because of poor standards of health, safety and/or food, you should claim compensation for loss of enjoyment of your holiday, pain, suffering and any related medical expenses.

Cross contamination can also be another cause of illness on holiday and it is vital that food handlers practise good standards of hygiene in the kitchen and restaurant. Raw meat should never be stored above ready to eat foods in the fridge and chopping boards should always be washed thoroughly with hot, soapy water between preparing different foods. Food poisoning is completely preventable and, if you fall ill on holiday through no fault of your own, you should claim the compensation you deserve when you return to the UK.