E.coli O157

What is E.coli o157 food poisoning?

E.coli are bacteria normally found in the gut of healthy animals and humans. E.coli o157 is a Vero cytotoxin-producing strain of the bacteria (VTEC) which can cause severe illness and even death.

What are the symptoms?

Typical symptoms include: diarrhoea, sometimes bloody, stomach cramps and occasionally fever. In approximately 10% of cases additional complications may arise such as HUS which can lead to kidney failure.

What are the sources?

E.coli O157can be found in a variety of foods including:

• raw or undercooked meat,

• root vegetables.

• unpasteurised milk and untreated water

The infection may be spread from person to person and can be contracted from sources other than food such as from livestock.

How may E.coli o157 food poisoning be prevented?

The bacteria are easily killed by heat and so thorough cooking of susceptible foods will be effective. As illness can be caused by a relatively small amount of bacteria (known as a low infective dose) adequate measures should be in place to prevent cross contamination from raw foods to those which are ready to eat.

What should you do if you think that you have E.coli o157 food poisoning?

You should seek medical advice, without delay, to arrange for appropriate care and for a stool specimen to be taken. This will be important to confirm whether you have indeed been infected with E.coli o157. If you suspect that your illness was caused by a food business you should also notify your local Environmental Health Department to allow them to initiate an investigation. Suspect food should be kept in a freezer for possible laboratory examination.

Once you feel able to do so, you should contact us to start the process of making a claim for compensation. We will meet with you to assess the likelihood of your claim being successful and will advise you if we will be able to proceed on a “No win, no fee” basis. We will explain the claims process with you and keep you informed at all stages.

We are specialist food lawyers and are expert in our field. However we are also a friendly family firm and your claim will be handled in confidence by either Sharon Bowles or Dr Andy Bowles. We do not use call centres but are always on hand to deal with your enquiries.

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