Spain is the food poisoning capital of the world for holidaying Brits, a study claims. The holiday hotspot topped a list of destinations that left tourists on the loo.
Some 28% of UK visitors said they were struck down by illness after eating food in the country. That was twice the number of Brits blighted by food poisoning in second place Turkey, which was named by 13% of respondents.
France, Egypt and Portugal rounded off the top five food poisoning hotspots. The study of 2,000 adults – commissioned by Injury Lawyers 4u – found almost two in five (39%) Brits say they have experienced food poisoning while holidaying abroad.
Respondents reported symptoms for an average of three days, but 23% say they suffered for four days or longer. And with the average overseas holiday lasting 8.7 days, experts say days of illness could wipe out almost half of a typical break.
Andrew Twambley, from the law firm, said: “Food poisoning can quickly ruin your holiday and, in serious cases, leave travellers needing medical treatment or facing unexpected costs.”
Young travellers were most likely to be affected, with more than half (56%) of 18- 24-year-olds suffering from food poisoning while on holiday abroad, compared to 29% of over 65s.
Diarrhoea was the most commonly reported symptom (65%), followed by vomiting (59%) and stomach cramps (56%). One in six (16%) travellers were confined to their hotel room, while one in 10 (10%) required medical treatment.
Mr Twambley advised travellers to make sure food was piping hot, avoid raw foods, check the safety of local tap water and avoid ice if its from the same unsafe water source.
He added: “There are some simple precautions travellers can take to reduce the risk of illness while on holiday.”
Leslie Green, 70, died from food poisoning after eating half-cooked chicken while on holiday in Fuerteventura to celebrate his 70th birthday in November 2024.
The grandad, of Bolton, died of multi-organ failure as a result of sepsis, caused by salmonella, at a luxury four-star resort, a corner ruled last year.Lawyer’s top tips to stay safe:Choose freshly cooked foodCheck local water advice before you travelAvoid raw foodsWash your hands thoroughlyThink twice about ice
Top ten food poisoning destinations:Spain – 28%Turkey 13%France 12%Egypt 9%Portugal 9%Italy 7%Greece 7%Thailand 4%United States 4%India 3%