Spain has been identified as the leading destination where British holidaymakers suffer food poisoning, according to a new study. The country topped the list of places that left tourists unwell, with 28% of UK visitors reporting illness after eating food there.
This figure was double that of Turkey, which came second with 13% of respondents naming it. France, Egypt and Portugal completed the top five food poisoning hotspots.
Study findings and symptoms
The research, commissioned by Injury Lawyers 4u, surveyed 2,000 adults and found that almost two in five (39%) Brits have experienced food poisoning while holidaying abroad. Symptoms lasted an average of three days, but 23% said they suffered for four days or longer.
With the average overseas holiday lasting 8.7 days, days of illness could wipe out almost half of a typical break. 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.
Expert advice and safety tips
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." He advised travellers to make sure food was piping hot, avoid raw foods, check the safety of local tap water and avoid ice if it comes 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." Lawyers urged Brits to choose freshly cooked food at buffets and follow tips such as washing hands thoroughly and thinking twice about ice.
Impact on young travellers and a fatal case
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.
In a separate incident, 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.
The top ten food poisoning destinations were: Spain (28%), Turkey (13%), France (12%), Egypt (9%), Portugal (9%), Italy (7%), Greece (7%), Thailand (4%), United States (4%) and India (3%).
