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Health officials have issued a warning to the public about the risk of listeriosis, a serious food-borne infection, following 28 deaths in the UK. The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that these deaths occurred amidst a surge in cases, with 179 reported instances of listeriosis in 2024 – the highest figure recorded in eight years, Daily Dazzling Dawn understand.
Listeriosis, caused by consuming food contaminated with Listeria bacteria, poses a significant threat to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. The illness has been linked to various food products, prompting concerns about food safety practices.
Common food sources that can harbor Listeria include cold and cured meats, smoked and cured fish, shellfish, and certain cheeses like Camembert and Brie. Pre-packaged sandwiches have also been identified as a potential risk.
While most individuals infected with Listeria experience no symptoms or only mild gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, a high temperature, and aches and pains, the infection can develop into a severe, life-threatening illness.
Dr. Vanessa Wong, a UKHSA consultant in gastrointestinal infections, emphasized the severity of listeriosis for specific populations, stating, "Listeriosis is a rare infection and most people only experience mild symptoms of gastroenteritis that usually pass within a few days without the need for treatment. However, severe listeriosis is more likely to affect the elderly, very young babies, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system."
The UKHSA advises that "The best way to prevent listeriosis is to practise good food hygiene and avoid high-risk foods if you are in a vulnerable group. Foods that carry a greater risk of listeria include soft cheeses, pate, smoked fish, chilled sliced meats and other chilled ready-to-eat products."
Investigations by the UKHSA have revealed seven outbreaks of listeriosis in England and Wales in the past year. These outbreaks were linked to the consumption of various contaminated food items, including smoked fish, chocolate and strawberry mousse, garlic sausage, and pre-packaged sandwiches.
Furthermore, the government body previously reported investigating five deaths connected to listeriosis between May and December 2024, with suspicion falling on desserts supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes.
To mitigate the risk of infection, health officials recommend several precautions: maintaining a refrigerator temperature below 5°C, adhering to use-by dates, following storage instructions on food packaging, and consistently washing hands before and during food preparation.
