Three individuals have tragically died as a result of a listeria outbreak linked to desserts supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes across the UK. This serious health crisis, which has drawn the attention of health agencies, is under investigation following the identification of five linked cases of listeria infection, primarily affecting older adults.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that all five hospitalized patients aged between 68 and 89 were immunocompromised, pointing to the increased risks faced by vulnerable populations. One of the deceased had their death officially attributed to listeria, while the other two had confirmed listeriosis at the time of their passing. The cases are believed to have occurred between May and December 2024, raising urgent questions about food safety practices within healthcare settings.
The listeria outbreak has been associated specifically with chocolate and vanilla mousse desserts supplied by Cool Delight Desserts, a manufacturer based in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester. Following the outbreak, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a recall of these products, instructing hospitals and care homes to cease serving them immediately due to potential contamination. "The desserts potentially linked to the reported illness are currently being removed from the supply chain," said Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA.
Dr. Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, indicated that initial laboratory testing has indeed revealed a potential link to these desserts, which are not available at retail locations but are specifically served within some NHS trusts. "Most people who are affected by listeriosis will have no symptoms or experience mild diarrhoea which subsides in a few days. However, those who are more vulnerable, like the severely immunocompromised or those with advanced age, can be at risk of severe illness such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis,” Dr. Godbole noted.
Listeriosis is a serious infection typically caused by the ingestion of food contaminated with the listeria monocytogenes bacteria. Although healthy individuals often exhibit no symptoms or only mild illness—such as fever, chills, and feeling unwell—certain populations, including pregnant women and the elderly, face a significantly greater risk of severe complications. Pregnant women might experience abdominal pain or other pregnancy-related symptoms, while newborns could show signs of irritability and feeding difficulties.
An alarming aspect of this outbreak is its parallel to previous instances of listeria contamination in NHS settings. The 2019 outbreak linked to pre-prepared sandwiches led to nine cases of illness and seven fatalities. A 2020 FSA report outlined even broader issues, noting that various NHS Trust hospitals had previously failed to adhere to food safety protocols, highlighting systemic risks in serving vulnerable patients.
Health experts stress the importance of following rigorous food safety guidelines to protect vulnerable individuals in care settings. The recent recall not only reflects a reactive measure but also underscores the need for ongoing vigilance regarding hygiene standards within healthcare food service operations. As part of the ongoing response to this outbreak, the West Midlands Care Association confirmed it has alerted providers to cease serving the implicated products and initiate a withdrawal process for all ice creams, mousses, and related desserts supplied by Cool Delight Desserts.
In looking to mitigate future risks, individuals are encouraged to maintain safe food handling and storage practices. Recommendations include keeping refrigerators below 5°C and ensuring that high-risk foods are consumed promptly. For those at particularly high risk, including their caregivers, the guidance remains clear: avoid ready-to-eat cold smoked or cured fish products, unpasteurized dairy, and ensure thorough cooking of all foods.
The overall aim of these actions is clear: to protect patients in healthcare settings by reducing the incidence of listeriosis and ensuring that food suppliers comply with safety regulations. As investigations continue, the wider public and healthcare sectors remain vigilant, awaiting further insights into the outbreak's full ramifications and how future occurrences can be prevented.
