Woman hospitalised after eating deadly chicken salad sandwich purchased in Elgin as E.coli investigations launched
A WOMAN was hospitalised after being poisoned by a chicken salad sandwich purchased at an Asda store in Elgin.
The poisoning was caused by a sandwich purchased from the Asda Express at the Shell Petrol Station on the outskirts of Elgin and left the woman in hospital for four days with “horrendous” symptoms.
Health professionals confirmed the presence of E.coli and legal investigations are underway after the incident.
As many as 60 food poisoning cases have been reported in Scotland since June after health officials found pre-packed sandwiches were laced with the deadly pathogen, which is thought to be due to contaminated lettuce.
The poisonings sparked urgent recalls from shopping giants Asda, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Morrisons, Tesco and Boots.
The Elgin probe is understood to be the first legal step in Scotland.
Mark Gibson, Partner at Digby Brown Solicitors and one Scotland’s top food poisoning lawyers, described the woman’s symptoms as “horrendous”.
“Our involvement is in the very early stages,” he explained.
“But what I can say is we have been asked to support a person who was poisoned after eating an Asda chicken salad sandwich purchased at a petrol station in Elgin.
“This person suffered really horrendous symptoms and needed hospital treatment. Thankfully, they received the right medical care after health professionals confirmed the presence of E.coli.
“The reality is that E.coli can only be confirmed by analysing a blood or stool sample so if anyone has any health concerns the first thing they should do is seek medical advice.
“Having a confirmed diagnosis, in addition to proof of purchase, are the two vital components needed for any food poisoning claim.”