Three people have died following an outbreak of listeria linked to desserts at NHS hospitals. UK health and food regulators have reported the contaminated chocolate desserts are not limited to a particular region of the UK.
Cases have been identified nationwide, indicating a widespread outbreak of the lethal bacteria. It is suspected by NHS officials that the outbreak is linked to chocolate mousses and ice creams produced by Cool Light Desserts.
A joint investigation has been initiated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) into five recent cases of Listeria monocytogenes. Affected patients were identified in May and December 2024, with two in Yorkshire and Humber, one each in the North West and West Midlands, and one in Wales. The ages of the patients ranges from 68 to 89 years old, with the median age 87, YorkshireLive reports.
It is also reported the patients had pre-existing health conditions and were hospitalised when they contracted the infection. Five cases in total have led to the deaths of three, including one where Listeria monocytogenes was cited as the cause of death, reports the Mirror.
All chilled desserts supplied by the company to NHS trusts and care homes have been recalled as a precautionary measure, the FSA has confirmed. This recall includes ice cream, mousses, and other chilled treats.
Now hospital staff are being urged to check ward refrigerators to ensure the products are removed, according to alerts sent to NHS trusts. The levels of listeria monocytogenes found were below the regulatory threshold of 100 colony forming units per gram (CFU/g).
However, the FSA highlighted that 'severely immunocompromised patients in hospitals and other health care settings' are 'more likely to suffer severe symptoms from listeria infection'. A spokesperson for Cool Delight Desserts informed Food Safety News that the company is currently engaged in discussions with the FSA and cannot comment further while investigations are ongoing.
Listeria can cause food poisoning known as listeriosis, which can be harmful to individuals with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, it can lead to gastroenteritis, sepsis, and even meningitis.
Listeriosis can also be contracted from another person who has the infection, such as if food handled without proper hygiene is consumed. Close contact with farm animals, especially sheep and cows during birthing, is another potential source of infection.
In 2023, a total of 177 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales, according to the most recent data available. There were 32 recorded deaths, with listeriosis cited as a cause of death on the death certificate in 11 instances. Seven outbreaks were investigated in total, including those linked to smoked fish, semi-soft cheese, and beef products.
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