Travel solicitors call for “root and branch” inquiry after gastric illness complaints at Greek hotel

Mediterranean holidays ruined for dozens

The outbreak of symptoms such as sickness, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps was reported at the Savvas Hotel, Laganas, on the Mediterranean island of Zakynthos, commonly known as Zante.

Physicians believe that dozens of the hotel’s guests might have contracted illnesses related to E.Coli, a bacterium which can cause serious food poisoning and is sometimes behind product recalls of contaminated food.

Gastric conditions common

Nick Harris, who heads travel law at the solicitor Simpson Millar LLP, has acted for many holidaymakers struck down by illness during their holidays.

“Reports of food poisoning and related gastric conditions are increasingly common at resorts in hot regions,” Nick said. “Unfortunately a high proportion of these issues concern hotels represented in the UK by Thomas Cook.”

Simpson Millar has added its voice to many in the legal profession calling for a “root-and-branch investigation” into hygiene practises at the Savvas.

“Not only do such complaints ruin holidays, they are often serious enough to leave their mark long after sufferers have returned home,” Nick observed.

Extra hygiene care is vital

“It’s crucial that hotels and their agents ensure extra care is taken with all facilities, from the preparation and serving of food to the cleanliness of accommodation and swimming areas.

“This is especially important at family hotels, where many children are likely to be among the guests.”

According to Thomas Cook, the tour operator is aware of “a small number of cases” at the popular 3-star hotel, and that it is undertaking a thorough investigation.