Rice Food Poisoning - Boiled Or Fried Illness Claims.

Rice Food Poisoning, Bacillus Cereus

Bacillus cereus, or more commonly referred to as rice poisoning, is a type of bacteria that causes severe food poisoning. It is one of the many types of infection that holidaymakers need to be aware of when they travel abroad on package holidays. It accounts for approximately 2% of all illnesses contracted from food.

Where is it found?

Bacillus cereus is not as common as Salmonella or Campylobacter but it is responsible for contaminating very particular types of food. The bacteria can be found in the outer part of a grain of rice and is able to develop and grow despite even very low and very high temperatures. It can therefore survive cooking and refrigeration fairly well. This bacterium is therefore of particular concern to holidaymakers on all-inclusive package holidays where foodstuffs such as rice dishes and cereals are frequently served.

Can it affect other foods?

Other foods that can be affected by the bacteria include cous cous, bulgur wheat, potatoes, pasta, pastries, pies and casseroles. Salads may even be affected by Bacillus cereus. Holidaymakers need to be aware of this when deciding what to eat from buffet style, all inclusive restaurants.

The symptoms caused by Bacillus Cereus

The bacteria causes" severe food poisoning that can take two forms. With one type the infected person will suffer abdominal stomach cramps and severe watery diarrhoea. These symptoms will occur within approximately fifteen hours of consuming contaminated rice and will usually last between one and two days. In this instance vomiting will not usually occur.

Other types of the bacteria do cause severe vomiting. Following consumption of contaminated rice, vomiting is likely to occur between one and five hours afterwards. These symptoms tend to only last for a short period of time and an infected person is usually feeling better after a period of 24 hours.

How to avoid becoming ill

In order to prevent this type of food poisoning it is important to wash and clean your hands, especially if handling food. Hotels need to ensure that raw meat juices do not contaminate any other foods. Frozen food must be defrosted thoroughly in a fridge rather than at room temperature. The hotel also needs to ensure that cooked foods are adequately refrigerated prior to being reheated and once they are reheated they need to be served piping hot. Holidaymakers need to make sure that the food they have chosen is properly cooked.

Holiday Food Poisoning: Salmonella

Going on holiday is often the highlight of many people"s summer. However, the excitement of travelling abroad is often blighted by sickness and illness.

Salmonella food poisoning is one illness commonly contracted on holiday. Salmonella is caused by bacteria which normally enters a persons system via contaminated eggs, meat or water. If you have contracted a Salmonella infection and your holiday accommodation is all-inclusive then you should see a doctor straight away and report this to the holiday representative immediately.

Poor food preparation and unhygienic conditions at your holiday hotel may be responsible for you contracting Salmonella. If you believe this to be the case then it may be possible for you to pursue a claim against your tour operator in the UK. Once back in the UK it is advisable to visit your GP in order to either confirm a diagnosis of Salmonella or ensure a recovery from it. A holiday illness claims solicitor will be able to give you advice regarding a claim for compensation against the holiday hotel and tour operator.

Symptoms of Salmonella will usually occur after 12-72 hours following exposure. The symptoms usually last between four and seven days and may include the following: vomiting; diarrhoea; severe stomach cramps and a fever.

Recovery from Salmonella food poisoning will normally take two weeks. However, if left untreated the infection can result in serious illness or death. Additional symptoms related to longer term sufferers can include irritable bowel syndrome and joint pain. It is important to seek medical advice and treatment in the UK even if you have seen a doctor whilst abroad on holiday.

In order to reduce the risk of contracting Salmonella, be aware of the hygiene conditions in your all-inclusive hotel. Do not eat food if you believe that it has been prepared in an unhygienic manner or is raw or uncooked. The buffets in all-inclusive hotels are of particular concern to holidaymakers, as Salmonella is a real risk from food that has been left out for too long or has been reheated. The food should always be covered to reduce the risk of contamination from flies and other insects.

Undercooked meat from a holiday hotel barbeque should be avoided to reduce the risk of contracting Salmonella food poisoning. Only drink bottled water as the local tap water may not be safe to consume. Beware of ice cubes in drinks as these are most probably derived from tap water.

Holiday hotel staff should always follow strict food preparation and hygiene standards in order to prevent the spread of Salmonella in the hotel. Staff should be washing their hands thoroughly as well as ensuring that all surfaces and utensils are clean before each individual use. All meat, poultry and fish should be adequately refrigerated and not left out at room temperature and it should be properly cooked to prevent Salmonella food poisoning.

Complain to the hotel management or your holiday representative if you believe that standards are not being met at the hotel. Contact a Holiday Illness claims solicitor on your return to the UK who may be able to help you with a claim for compensation for the Salmonella illness you have suffered.