Food poising to result in compensation claims

A group of people are set to sue after suffering food poisoning last year.

In September 2009, more than 300 prisoners at Wandsworth jail experienced diarrhoea and vomiting after consuming meals, South London Press Today reports.

When the problem struck, notices were put up outside the prison warning that visiting was restricted.

Around 80 people have now approached solicitors with a view to taking legal action against the Prison Service - which serves the public by keeping in custody individuals committed by the courts.

According to the Health Protection Agency, salmonella was to blame for the sickness, but doctors are still looking into how many inmates caught the bug.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman remarked: "This is an ongoing matter so it would be inappropriate to comment."

Meanwhile, legal representatives acting on behalf of the claimants pointed out that the case rests on establishing negligence on the part of the Prison Service.