Baby struck by salmonella at four-star hotel

A couple whose baby fell seriously ill with food poisoning at a four-star hotel are taking action against holiday firm Thomson.

The child, now 15 months old, contracted the bacteria on a £1,500 Moroccan holiday in September, the family's first foreign trip. The Mevlits, from Palmers Green, believe Melissa ate something which had not been properly cooked or had been reheated at the Royal Atlas hotel.

Mrs Mevlit, 28, said her daughter was sick for three weeks and may suffer long-term health problems. She said: "They put my child's life at risk. We assumed that food would be properly cooked.

"Melissa had a fever as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. We genuinely feared for her health."

The couple also had mild stomach cramps. They said they spoke to others who suffered food poisoning at the hotel. One couple reported on website Trip Advisor that much of what was available at the Royal Atlas was "inedible".

The 338-bedroom hotel in Agadir is exclusive to Thomson customers. Thomson said all the hotels it used "are closely monitored to ensure the highest health, safety and comfort levels are maintained", adding: "As this case is being investigated by our legal team, we are unfortunately unable to comment any further."