Egypt compensation claims for holiday illness

Holiday food poisoning can cause serious illness if it is not treated properly and sickness cases at holiday hotels in Egypt have increased dramatically over the past 18 months.

Many holidaymakers, staying at all inclusive hotels in Sharm El Sheikh have suffered symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever over the past few months and, although most cases of food poisoning pass naturally within a few days, illness can be severe if it goes untreated or if it is not treated correctly. When holidaymakers suffer dehydration they can become ill quickly unless the correct treatment is administered.

Poor standards of food and hygiene at holiday hotels in Egypt is totally unacceptable and tour operators should do all they can to not expose you to holiday illness or injury. Not only will food poisoning ruin your holiday but it can also leave you out of pocket. If you have eaten contaminated food at your holiday hotel, you should make a complaint to the holiday rep as soon as possible and take a note of his/her name and the date of the complaint. Refuse any offers of compensation or money off vouchers directly from the representative and seek legal advice from a no win, no fee solicitor as soon as you return home.

Food served buffet-style in hotel restaurants easily becomes contaminated if it is not stored, handled or served at the correct temperatures and you should always trust your instincts before eating food which may be contaminated. It is not always possible to see or smell contaminated food and often you will not taste any difference. Food poisoning normally causes symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea within 24 hours of ingestion. Seek medical advice immediately. Food poisoning can affect anyone at any time, but young people, older people, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are more likely to suffer serious illness as a result of ingesting contaminated food.

Avoid undercooked meats, particularly chicken, burgers or pork and never eat meat which is served pink in the middle. Salmonella and E.coli food poisoning commonly cause sickness and diarrhoea within 12 hours. If you are suffering any symptoms of illness after eating contaminated food, drink plenty of fluids and rest plus seek medical advice as quickly as possible. Some people who have become ill with food poisoning on holiday have still been suffering symptoms of illness when they return home to the UK. You may be able to claim compensation for loss of enjoyment of your holiday, pain and suffering and medical expenses so make sure you keep all your prescriptions and medical receipts to present to a personal injury solicitor when you return to the UK.


Resort hotels in Egypt cater for hundreds of people every day and, if standards of food and hygiene are poor, severe outbreaks of illness are likely to occur. There is no excuse for food poisoning and, if strict standards of food hygiene exist at your holiday hotel in Egypt, there is no reason why you should not enjoy a happy, healthy holiday. On the other hand, when hygiene is poor, illness could ruin your holiday and leave you out of pocket.

Food which is served buffet style should always be served at the correct temperature, never left out at room temperature and open to the elements as it may be contaminated by flies and other insects and food should never be served lukewarm when it is supposed to be piping hot.
Never accept compensation for food poisoning directly from the tour operator or the hotel management as you could be entitled to claim much more with the help of a personal injury solicitor in the UK.



Adrian vultur writes for Egypt holiday illness claims