One-third of people in the UK could contract food poisoning through the bacteria campylobacter on chicken in their lifetime, according to new figures from the food safety watchdog.

Campylobacter is responsible for more than 100 deaths in the UK each year and costs the British economy an estimated £1bn.

The bacteria is frequently found on raw poultry and is the most common cause of food poisoning in Britain, with an estimated 280,000 people falling ill each year.

Food Standards Agency (FSA) director Nina Purcell said: “We’ve been working hard with the poultry industry to reduce that number by cutting the level of contamination on shop-bought chickens.

“At the moment, up to a third of us could fall ill with campylobacter at some point in our lives.

“We all have a responsibility to do what we can to reduce that figure.

“If everyone lives up to their promises – the FSA, consumers and the industry – then this really can happen, hugely reducing the number of people who get ill every year.”

Tips to avoid getting campylobacter poisoning include storing raw chicken separately from other food, always washing hands and utensils after they’ve been in contact with poultry, not washing raw chicken and always making sure a bird is thoroughly cooked with no pink flesh and juices that run clear.

The symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach pain, fever, headache, feeling and/or being sick.

It usually takes two to five days for them to kick in, although the onset of symptoms can range from one to 11 days.

Archie Young was struck down with campylobacter in his teens and was left housebound for a fortnight as a result of the painful food poisoning.

“It was absolutely terrible, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, it was so bad I can remember it as if it happened yesterday,” said the 22-year-old schoolteacher from west London.

“I can’t understand why anyone would ever want to take a risk with raw poultry.

“You wouldn’t drive your car without insurance, you just wouldn’t take that kind of risk, so why do it with your food?

“I think people need to be more aware of the dangers because it’s dreadful and it will wipe you out for two weeks.”

Last year, an FSA study found 70% of chickens sold in major supermarkets tested positive for the presence of campylobacter.