Salmonella food poisoning illness in Egypt
Most bacteria are killed at 75ºC while they are being cooked, although the temperature must also be reached at the centre of the food and not just on the outside of it. Some bacteria require higher temperatures for a longer period of time than others to ensure the food is safe to eat and unfortunately, many food handlers in Egypt neglect their duties when it comes to cooking and handling food safely.
All inclusive holiday hotels in Sharm el Sheikh have been named over the past 12 months as having caused mass outbreaks of Salmonella food poisoning in Egypt, after standards of health and hygiene were found to be poor. Bacteria can cause salmonella food poisoning in a number of different ways and their behaviour largely depends on the type of bacteria they are. Salmonella food poisoning is one of the most common forms of holiday illness in Egypt and illness passes quickly and easily from one person to another after infection. Salmonella passes easily from hands to high risk food, including chicken, eggs, meat and rice. Holiday food poisoning outbreaks are on the increase and hundreds of holidaymakers are being advised to claim compensation from tour operators after suffering symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting and sickness during a package tour holiday in Egypt.
Food poisoning may be caused when food is left out at room temperature, uncovered or when it is allowed to become contaminated before it is cooked. Salmonella bacteria live in the gut of animals and human beings and it can easily be passed on when contaminated food is consumed. Some raw meat and poultry products already carry food poisoning bacteria before they are cooked and bacteria can also be carried on hands from the mouth, nose or from infected cuts or grazes.
If you have suffered any type of illness at a package tour hotel in Sharm el Sheikh or elsewhere, you should make a written complaint to the holiday representative at your hotel straight away and then seek medical help. You could become seriously ill if you are not treated quickly as prolonged bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration. However mild your symptoms are, make sure you see a doctor to prevent serious illness. Salmonella symptoms usually clear up within 5 days but, if the illness is not treated correctly, it can take much longer.
Waste food and rubbish provide perfect conditions in which salmonella bacteria can live and flourish as it is warm and allows bacteria to multiply quickly. One of the easiest ways for bacteria to spread through a restaurant kitchen is from hands and it is vital that food handlers always wash their hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after using the toilet and between handling different foods. A nylon bristled nail brush should always be used to clean nails and a high standard of personal hygiene should is also important to prevent food poisoning among hotel guests.
Food poisoning is completely preventable and, if you are subjected to illness at a holiday hotel in Egypt, through no fault of your own, you should claim compensation with the help of a no win, no fee personal injury solicitor when you return to the UK.
Adrian vultur writes for Egypt Holiday illness claims
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