A third of holidaymakers suffer from food poisoning
1 commentRecent research shows that a third of us have suffered from food poisoning whilst on holiday abroad. You may well think that this somewhat alarming figure is the result of us seeking ever more exotic holiday destinations. However, it is the ever popular and familiar Spain which comes out as the worst culprit, with 23% of the 2000 holidaymakers surveyed having experienced gastrointestinal problems whilst there.
Next in the offenders’ league comes Greece with 13% of us experiencing tummy problems whilst holidaying there, and then Turkey and Egypt (which you may be forgiven for thinking would have fared worse) with 11%.
Food poisoning is usually the result of exposure to contaminated food or drink, with common causes for this stemming from:
- unhygienic handling of food by those who are preparing or serving it – even the most expensive of restaurants are at the mercy of those who work there;
- water which has not been purified either being drunk, used in ice cubes or for brushing teeth;
- cooked food which has not been stored properly or which has been sitting around being kept warm in a hotel buffet, often open to flies landing on it and the sun beating down on it;
- raw fruit and vegetables, including salads, which have either not been washed at all or have been washed in water which is contaminated.
38% of those taken ill on holiday say that they suffered for two days or more, and 30% of them also say that it is not just their enjoyment which is curtailed but also that of their travelling companions.
All of this underlines the importance of having good insurance - perhaps even opting for a policy with the Halifax which pays £50 compensation per day if you are confined to your room or hospitalised.
A staggering one-in-three people do not bother with travel insurance, leaving them open to hefty bills should they need to seek medical advice for their stomach ailments.
Comments
It sucks so I pity the other 23% of people.
