Holidays should be a time to relax, not a cause of serious illness. Yet food poisoning remains one of the most common reasons travellers fall ill abroad, particularly on package holidays where meals are prepared in bulk and presented buffet-style. While many cases are short-lived, foodborne infections can sometimes have devastating consequences, including life-changing neurological injury.

In this article, partner Scott Rigby and paralegal Tobias Coster of Stewarts’ international injury team reflect on what travellers need to know and what steps to take if something goes wrong.

The risks of food poisoning abroad 

Food poisoning can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites present in contaminated food or drink. Common sources include undercooked meat or fish, unpasteurised dairy products, contaminated water and food that has not been stored or handled safely.

More serious infections, such as listeria, are rarer but can be extremely dangerous. Listeria infections may lead to meningitis, hydrocephalus and brain injury, particularly where diagnosis or treatment is delayed. In severe cases, survivors may require long-term medical care, rehabilitation and ongoing support for the rest of their lives.

Practical steps to reduce the risk while on holiday

• Be cautious with high-risk food groups, for example, buffet foods that should be kept hot or refrigerated, deli meats and salads

• Avoid food that appears undercooked or has been left uncovered

• Drink bottled or treated water, where advised, and avoid ice if water quality is unclear

• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, particularly in hot climates

• Avoid unpasteurised dairy products and soft cheeses unless you are confident of their source

• Report any concerns about food hygiene to hotel staff immediately

What to do if you become ill abroad

1. Seek medical treatment immediately and ensure your symptoms are documented
2. Report the illness to your hotel and tour operator in writing
3. Keep records of all medical treatment, prescriptions and expenses
4. Retain photographs of food, hygiene conditions and any visible issues
5. Avoid disposing of medications or paperwork provided by doctors abroad

Prompt medical attention is crucial for your health, and contemporaneous evidence can be vital if a claim becomes necessary later.

Securing evidence for a potential claim 

If food poisoning occurs on a package holiday, UK tour operators may be legally responsible where illness results from failures in hygiene, storage or food preparation at the accommodation.

To protect your position, retain booking documents, keep a diary of symptoms, obtain witness details from others who were unwell, request copies of medical notes, where possible, and photograph hygiene concerns. Early legal advice can help ensure evidence is preserved and court deadlines are not missed.

A case with life-changing consequences 

The International Injury team at Stewarts currently acts for a client who contracted listeria on a package holiday in Turkey. The infection led to hydrocephalus and a serious brain injury, requiring emergency treatment and the insertion of a permanent shunt.

The consequences for the individual and their family have been profound, with ongoing care and rehabilitation needs that will last a lifetime.

Scott Rigby, Partner, said:

“People understandably associate food poisoning with a few days of illness. What this case shows is that the consequences can, in rare cases, be devastating. When basic food safety standards are not met, the impact on a person’s life and their family can be permanent.”

Tobias Coster, Paralegal, added:

“We often see clients who did everything right; they reported concerns, sought medical help and trusted their tour operator. Securing early evidence and specialist advice is critical in cases like this, particularly where the injury is severe and long-term needs are involved.”