How to sue a company in London that has served me non-veg food, with a veg label?

Question

At a major food chain/shopping mall I ws served non-veg food instead of veg food, while these were contained in Veg containers, displaying vegetarian boards. I feel sick, lps tell me how to sue this company?

Answer 1

I appreciate your annoyance, as a vegetarian myself I'd feel pretty sick too. But I doubt you have grounds to sue them. Write a letter of complaint, sure, and make it strong- but ultimately it was just human error, not some comany policy which warrants a legal battle.

S**t happens, it doesn't mean you deserve money for it.

Answer 2

I agree with the previous writers. You'd have to prove that the food was non-vegetarian - I don't know how easy it would be to do that. If you can establish that fact, then the Trading Standards Office in the district concerned should be informed and they will take up the case of the restaurant selling goods that were 'not as described.' You might also contact the local Environmental Health agency because they have a responsibility for inspecting restaurant kitchens, and all may not be well in the kitchen concerned.

But in order to succeed with a claim you would have to prove that you had suffered damage worth a monetary compensation. You would only be eligible for a small amount (if at all) unless you are vegetarian for medical reasons and meat does you actualk physical harm - in which case you'd have to be able to demonstrate that you really did suffer harm (and I doubt that simply 'feeling sick' counts). Sueing someone for a small amount of money (up to about £5000) can be done relatively cheaply through the Small Claims Court, but I sincerely doubt whether you'd get very far. Why don't you try an internet search to see whether anybody has been able to bring a case under similar circumstances?

Answer 3

Why not try claims direct, remember where there's blame there's a claim and the company, rather than spend a 10 grand fighting a case like this would probably offer you a couple of thousand to go away. You could also say that you were so disgusted, you spat out the food and then tripped on this and hurt your ankle and have been of work as a result ( loss of earnings ). If this doesn't' work you would perhaps walk around your local neighbourhood and find an uneven paving slap, take lots of pictures, wrap your ankle in bandages, claim a bad back as well , never work again and live off benefits. This way you can turn your bad experience into a really good one.

Answer 4

Definitely your local Trading Standards department. Contact your council and ask to be put through.
You could also contact the Vegetarian Society in Altrincham, Cheshire.
I agree that you shouldn't be suing them because of your beliefs, but they need to know because some people have medical reasons for being vegetarian and they could be compromising their health by eating the food you were served.

Answer 5

You may feel sick, but you can only recover money if you can prove actual damages. You are not going to die from eating a meat or meat byproduct. Unless your health is going to be compromised (not just having to vomit once), just call the folks and strongly advise them of the situation. I'm sure they will try to make it right.

Answer 6

Your first move is to contact your local Trading Standards Agency. Try the 'phone book or Council Offices.

Answer 7

Talk to them first for an amicable and easy solution if needed contact TSA at your local council for help.

Answer 8

Try contacting your local trading standards office. They'll be able to advise you on what procedures you need to follow.