Nando’s Food Poisoning Claims

Nando’s is one of the most popular fast food chains in the UK, known for its flame-grilled chicken. But even well-known chains can sometimes fall short on food safety and hygiene practices. If you or a loved one became ill after eating at Nando’s, you may be able to make a Nando’s food poisoning compensation claim.

Like all food establishments, Nando’s has a legal duty of care to serve food that is safe to eat. Breaches of duty that may lead to a compensation claim for food poisoning include selling undercooked meat, cross-contamination between raw and cooked food, or using unclean utensils..

Our team of specialist solicitors are happy to discuss your situation during a free case assessment. If you have a valid claim, we’ll help you pursue compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.

For a free consultation with a friendly legal adviser, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online claim form to request a call back.

Find out if you can claim

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Am I eligible to claim compensation for Nando's food poisoning?
• What is food poisoning?
• How do I prove food poisoning at Nando's?
• What is the duty of care of fast food restaurants like Nando's?
• Can I make a Nando's food poisoning claim on behalf of my child?
• What is the time limit for making a compensation claim?
• How much compensation can I claim if I suffer food poisoning at Nando's?
  • General damages
  • Special damages
• Can I claim compensation for other accidents at Nando's?
• Can I make a Nando's compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

Am I eligible to claim compensation for Nando’s food poisoning?

If you go out to eat or order food from Nando’s, you expect to enjoy your meal and have a good experience. However, if the restaurant fails to serve food that is free from contaminants or has not been cooked properly, you could fall ill with food poisoning.

In such cases, it may be possible to make a personal injury compensation claim against Nando’s. One of our friendly legal advisers can assess your case and let you know within minutes if you are eligible to proceed. Generally, you may have a valid claim if the following can be proven:

• Nando’s owed you a duty of care as their customer.
• They breached that duty by serving unsafe or contaminated food.
• You suffered harm as a result, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, or more serious complications.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming food that is contaminated with harmful bacteria, toxins, parasites or viruses. Some of the most common pathogens include:

• Campylobacter, often from undercooked poultry
• Salmonella from raw or undercooked eggs, meat or poultry
• E. coli, typically linked to poor hygiene, undercooked beef and raw vegetables
• Norovirus, often spread by infected food handlers
• Listeria, which can be found in soft cheeses and cold meats

Symptoms typically appear within a few hours to a few days after eating contaminated food and include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea, which may be watery or bloody
• Stomach pain and cramps
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and dehydration
• General weakness or feeling unwell

While mild cases often resolve on their own, more serious illnesses may require medical treatment. This is especially true in young children, elderly people, or those with weakened immune systems.

How do I prove food poisoning at Nando’s?

To make a food poisoning compensation claim against Nando’s or any other restaurant, you will need evidence showing that the food they sold you caused your illness. Key types of evidence that could be used to support a Nando’s food poisoning claim include:

• Medical records confirming a diagnosis of food poisoning and related symptoms.
• Test results that confirm the specific pathogen that caused your illness.
• Photos that highlight substandard hygiene or issues with the food, such as undercooked meat.
• Leftover food that you took home and preserved for testing.
• Receipts or other proof of purchase showing that you ate food at Nando’s.
• Witness statements from others who ate with you or became ill after eating the same meal.
• A copy of an incident report made with the Food Standards Agency and/or the local Environmental Health Department.
• A detailed account of your symptoms, the treatment you received and the impact on your daily life.
• Proof of financial losses and expenses incurred because of your illness.

What is the duty of care of fast food restaurants like Nando’s?

Like all restaurants, takeaways, and other food businesses, Nando’s must comply with strict regulations designed to prevent food poisoning. This duty of care is established under the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, and it involves:

• Maintain a clean environment in kitchens, storage areas and dining spaces
• Ensure all food served is safe to eat and free from harmful bacteria or contaminants
• Follow the proper safety procedures for cooking, handling, storing and preparing food
• Train staff in food safety and personal hygiene
• Ensure the proper disposal of food waste
• Strictly separate raw and cooked foods at all stages
• Provide the necessary PPE to ensure food safety, such as hair restraints and gloves
• Regularly inspect and maintain equipment

The most common breaches of duty in which contamination can occur are:

• Not cooking food at the correct temperature
• Keeping raw foods near cooked foods
• Food handlers not washing their hands properly
• Storing food at unsafe temperatures for too long
• Using contaminated water or expired products
• Not using clean equipment and utensils

Can I make a Nando’s food poisoning claim on behalf of my child?

If your child suffered from food poisoning after eating at Nando’s, you could make a claim for compensation on their behalf.

Children cannot start legal proceedings themselves until they turn 18, but a parent or guardian can represent them as a litigation friend at any time before then.

You can read more about it here: What is a litigation friend?

What is the time limit for making a compensation claim?

If you suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you generally have three years to make an accident compensation claim.

In case of food poisoning, the three years typically begin from the date you became aware of your illness and that it was due to Nando’s negligence in preparing your food.

There are certain exceptions to the limitation period that apply to child injury claims, claimants who lack mental capacity, and injuries suffered abroad.

It is always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an injury or illness. This will help your solicitor investigate the case and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

Read more: How long do I have to make a personal injury claim?

How much compensation can I claim if I suffer food poisoning at Nando’s?

The compensation you may be able to claim from Nando’s will be based on two types of damages, which your solicitor will assess carefully:

General damages

This part of the compensation is awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenities (PSLA). Examples include physical pain, discomfort, mental distress, and the impact on your hobbies and activities.

According to the Judicial College guidelines and our personal injury compensation calculator, the general damages part of your claim could be worth:

• £1,110 to £4,820 for minor to moderate food poisoning that lasts days/weeks
• £4,820 to £11,640 for a foodborne illness causing significant discomfort
• £11,640 to £23,430 for severe cases of food poisoning that are short-lived
• £46,900 to £64,070 for very severe toxicosis

Special damages

This part of the compensation is awarded for financial losses and expenses directly incurred as a result of your food poisoning, such as:

• Loss of earnings due to time off work
• Costs of prescriptions and private medical treatments
• Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
• Care costs if you need help with your daily tasks (even if provided by friends or family)
• The cost of your holiday, if your enjoyment was affected
• Any other expenses directly related to your illness

The value of special damages will be calculated using financial documents such as receipts, invoices, and wage slips.

Can I claim compensation for other accidents at Nando’s?

Yes, you could be eligible to make a Nando’s compensation claim for other types of accidents at Nando’s, provided it was caused by negligence and resulted in a personal injury. Common accidents that may lead to a successful claim include:

• Slip, trip and fall accidents at Nando’s that are caused by wet floors, loose tiles or cluttered walkways.
• Burns and scalds from hot foods or drinks or contact with hot surfaces.
• Cuts or lacerations from broken glass, sharp edges or faulty seating.
• Food allergies due to improper allergen information or cross-contamination.
• Being hit by objects falling from shelves or unstable restaurant signs and displays.

Can I make a Nando’s compensation claim on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you are entitled to claim compensation, the personal injury solicitors we work with will offer you a no win no fee service, which means that:

• You do not have to pay them any legal fees upfront.
• You will not have to pay them a single penny if your claim fails.
• They will deduct a success fee from your compensation award only if you win the case (capped at 25% of it).

To find out if you are entitled to make a Nando’s food poisoning claim, call us on 0800 470 0474 today for a free case assessment. Alternatively, you can use our online contact form to request a call back.

Last edited on 8th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.