A listeria outbreak linked to chocolate desserts served at several NHS hospitals has resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals, with authorities confirming an ongoing investigation involving the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The outbreak's impact is centered on desserts supplied by Cool Delight Desserts, which have been placed under scrutiny as part of efforts to protect vulnerable hospital patients. The UKHSA reported that they are investigating five related cases of listeriosis, with illnesses occurring from May to December 2024. Among the deceased, one person had their death officially attributed to listeria monocytogenes, a serious bacterial infection linked to contaminated food.
In a statement, Dr. Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said, "The cause of the outbreak isn’t confirmed yet; however, our laboratory testing has identified a potential link to a particular type of dessert, which is not available from retailers but is served in some NHS trusts." This suggests that the desserts posed risks particularly to the elderly patients in hospitals and care homes, as they often have weakened immune systems.
The patients affected by this outbreak are all described as immunocompromised and aged between 68 and 89 years old, a demographic that is particularly susceptible to the severe effects of listeria infections. Currently, authorities have advised NHS trusts and care providers to remove these specific desserts from service until further notice. The FSA has issued a precautionary product recall for all chocolate mousses and ice creams supplied by Cool Delight Desserts.
This is not the first time listeria has posed a threat to patients receiving care in hospitals. In 2019, a similar outbreak was linked to pre-prepared sandwiches served at 42 NHS hospitals, resulting in seven fatalities. Reports indicate that there have been numerous instances of listeriosis outbreaks in NHS settings over the past two decades, raising questions about food safety practices in these facilities.
The symptoms of listeriosis can range from mild to severe and may include high fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea. However, in more vulnerable populations, it can lead to conditions like meningitis and sepsis, which can be fatal.
Health officials stress the importance of monitoring symptoms, especially for those who have consumed the affected products. Listeria infections can take up to 70 days to manifest after exposure, making it crucial for recent consumers of the tainted desserts to stay alert for any signs of illness.
In addition to the deaths, two more patients remain hospitalized following the outbreak. According to the FSA, levels of listeria detected in the affected desserts were below the regulatory threshold of 100 colony-forming units per gram, leading to the recall as a precautionary measure.
The investigations by UKHSA and FSA are ongoing, with authorities urging health facilities nationwide to check for remaining supplies of Cool Delight Desserts products. Although there has been no further outbreak reported in the hospitals where the contaminated products were originally served, officials are remaining vigilant and reinforcing food safety protocols.
Food safety experts emphasize that while listeriosis primarily affects the most vulnerable in society, proper food handling and hygiene practices in hospitals can mitigate the risk of future outbreaks. With the gravity of this latest incident, the underlying framework of food safety in healthcare environments will likely come under increased examination.
This incident shines a light on the broader issue of food safety within NHS establishments and the importance of regulatory compliance and vigilance. As investigations into this troubling outbreak continue, both patients and caretakers must remain informed and proactive regarding food safety.
