Food poisoning may cause gastroenteritis as well as serious and long-lasting medical consequences. In some cases, people have died. Everyone, especially the young and elderly, are at risk of becoming sick from contaminated food. There have been recent news on this as reported in The Straits Times, Channel News Asia and The New Paper.
Food stalls, restaurants and caterers have a duty to ensure that the food prepared is safe for consumption and is not exposed to contamination. If anyone is found to have breached food safety regulations and standards, the authorities, especially the National Environmental Agency (NEA), may take action. If people become sick as a result of consuming contaminated food, the vendor may also be liable for any injuries and loss they suffer.
IF YOU GET FOOD POISONING – CAN YOU CLAIM COMPENSATION?
You may be able to make compensation for food poisoning if you can prove that your illness occurred because the person who made or sold you the contaminated food was negligent.