Three people have died and others have been hospitalized amid a worrying outbreak of listeria linked to desserts served in some NHS hospitals. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are actively investigating the incident, which involves the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.
The outbreak has raised significant health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations. According to reports dated March 19, 2025, the UKHSA confirmed that one death has been attributed directly to listeria, with two additional fatalities involving individuals known to be infected at the time of their death. This alarming situation has prompted health officials to take immediate action.
Among the desserts identified in this outbreak are chocolate and vanilla mousse, and a strawberry and vanilla mousse. Samples of these products were taken from NHS hospitals on February 13 and February 27, respectively. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of listeria in these specific dessert items, indicating a probable source of the infections. A person linked to the outbreak reported consuming the mousse during their hospital stay.
Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections, Food Safety and One Health at the UKHSA, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. “We are investigating a small number of cases of listeria. 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. Working with the Food Standards Agency, on a precautionary basis, we have advised NHS Trusts and those providing care to vulnerable people to stop serving these desserts while investigations are underway.”
The FSA has issued an urgent alert regarding various frozen dessert products potentially linked to the outbreak. This alert includes ice cream, ice cream rolls, mousses, and yoghurts from the supplier, Cool Delight Desserts. All sizes, batch codes, and best before dates of these affected products are included in this warning.
As of the latest reports, the UKHSA is investigating four cases in England and one in Wales. However, there are currently no reported clinical cases within the same hospital or region. This aspect of the investigation reflects the health agencies’ ongoing monitoring and response efforts.
Health officials are particularly concerned about the impacts of listeriosis, the infection caused by listeria. According to NHS guidelines, common symptoms may include fever, aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. For pregnant women, there is an increased risk of severe complications, including harmful effects on the mother and the baby. Newborns and infants may also exhibit symptoms like irritability or reduced feeding.
Dr Godbole reiterated the seriousness of the infection for high-risk groups, stating, “Most people who are affected by listeriosis will have no symptoms or experience mild diarrhoea which subsides in a few days. 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.”
In light of these developments, both the UKHSA and FSA are urging NHS Trusts to take the necessary precautions to protect their patients. They have recommended halting the service of these specific desserts until investigation results are conclusive. This decisive action reflects the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of patients, especially those who are more vulnerable.
As more updates emerge from the investigations, the UKHSA and FSA are committed to keeping the public informed about any potential risks associated with the dessert products in question. Patients and their families are encouraged to remain vigilant, especially those in high-risk categories.
In conclusion, the ongoing listeria outbreak linked to NHS-served desserts is a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with food safety in healthcare settings. The concerted efforts by UK health authorities underscore the need for prompt responses to safeguard public health.
