Legal probe launched after woman contracts E.coli from Asda sandwich in Elgin

Legal investigations are under way after a person contracted E.coli after eating a sandwich from a supermarket in Elgin.

The woman was hospital-bound for four days after eating an Asda chicken salad sandwich purchased from a Shell petrol station in Elgin, Moray.

As many as 60 food poisoning cases have been reported in Scotland since June after health officials found pre-packed sandwiches contained potentially deadly pathogen which is thought to be due to contaminated lettuce.

The outbreak sparked urgent recalls from shopping giants Asda, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Morrisons, Tesco and Boots with the Elgin probe understood to be the first legal step in Scotland.

Mark Gibson, partner at Digby Brown Solicitors and one Scotland’s top food poisoning lawyers, said: “Our involvement is in the very early stages 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.”

Asda has been contacted for comment.