Margaret-Ann Reynard, 39, is suing Exquisite Quisine after eating at one of its restaurants in East Kilbride with her fiance in 2000. The former midwife is seeking one million pounds in compensation after claiming a Chinese meal at the restaurant gave her salmonella poisoning and triggered arthritis.

Her counsel, Maria Maguire QC, told the Court of Session the firm had admitted liability for the salmonella case.

Exquisite Cuisine maintains she had pre-existing health problems which affected her ability to work. It claims the sum sought is excessive.