Health authorities issue warning over Listeria and smoked fish
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are reinforcing their advice to vulnerable groups.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that an ongoing outbreak of listeria in the UK had been linked to smoked fish.
14 linked cases
The health authorities said that an investigation has identified 14 linked cases of listeriosis since 2020, with eight of these being since January 2022. Cases have been identified in England and Scotland. The majority of these individuals reported eating ready to eat smoked fish. One case was a pregnant woman.
Listeriosis is a form of food poisoning caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Most people who are affected get mild gastroenteritis which subsides in a few days.
However, certain individuals are particularly at risk of severe illness such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis.
Listeriosis
The advice to those who are over 65, pregnant or have weakened immune systems is that they should ensure that ready to eat smoked fish is thoroughly cooked before they eat it. Listeriosis in pregnancy can cause miscarriages and severe sepsis or meningitis in new-born babies.
Dr Caroline Handford, acting head of incidents at the FSA, said: “If anyone from these groups is eating ready to eat smoked fish, we are reminding them of the advice to ensure that it is thoroughly cooked before they eat it including when served as part of a dish.”
Professor Saheer Gharbia, interim deputy director gastrointestinal infections and food safety at UKHSA, said: "Most people won’t have any symptoms of the infection or will only experience mild symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhoea, which usually pass within a few days without the need for treatment.
"In light of this ongoing outbreak, we are advising pregnant and vulnerable people to only eat ready to eat smoked fish that has been thoroughly cooked to reduce the risk of listeriosis. If you have any concerns about your health please speak to your midwife, GP or hospital specialist team."
