In a distressing case of foodborne illness, three people have died and two others have become seriously unwell after a listeria outbreak linked to desserts supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes in the UK. The investigation into this outbreak focuses on desserts supplied by Cool Delight Desserts, raising concerns about food safety in healthcare environments.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that it is investigating five cases of listeria infection, with all affected individuals aged between 68 and 89 years. All five patients had underlying health conditions and required hospitalization during their illness. Tragically, one death has been conclusively attributed to listeria, while the other two individuals were known to be infected at the time of their passing.
The outbreak appears to be linked specifically to chocolate and vanilla mousse and strawberry and vanilla mousse products, which have been identified as the source during routine surveillance tests conducted in February at an NHS hospital in the South West of England. While listeria levels in the desserts were reportedly found to be below the legal threshold of what is tolerated by healthy individuals, the nature of these products being served to vulnerable patients necessitated immediate action.
Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), stated, "The desserts potentially linked to the reported illness are currently being removed from the supply chain.” In addition, NHS facilities have been advised to discontinue serving these desserts while an ongoing investigation seeks to ascertain the exact cause of the outbreak.
Dr. Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections at the UK Health Security Agency, elaborated on the concern regarding vulnerable populations, noting, "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 of advanced age, can be at risk of severe illness such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis.”
Following the detection of listeria in desserts from Cool Delight Desserts, the FSA has issued alerts to healthcare facilities across the UK, insisting all products from this supplier—including ice creams, mousses, and yoghurts—be quarantined and removed from service promptly. This call to action comes against the backdrop of ongoing investigations to better understand how the outbreak occurred and to prevent further cases.
The five patients linked to the current investigation were identified over a time frame from May to December 2024, with cases reported from various regions, including Yorkshire, North West England, West Midlands, and Wales. Health authorities have taken steps to ensure that anyone affected is notified and supported, while simultaneously working diligently to trace any additional sources of contamination.
Listeriosis, the illness caused by the listeria bacteria, can vary in severity from mild flu-like symptoms to severe and potentially fatal conditions for already vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and newborns. Symptoms typically include fever, chills, and gastrointestinal distress, with serious complications such as meningitis or sepsis occasionally resulting from infection.
Health officials previously alerted about similar outbreaks in the past, prompting increased vigilance around food safety protocols in culinary settings serving susceptible individuals, especially in hospitals and care homes. Although a match for the outbreak strain has been identified, a comprehensive investigation is underway to establish a definitive link and potential lapses in food handling or supply chain integrity.
This recent incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of stringent food safety measures in healthcare settings and the potential consequences when lapses occur. Officials emphasize that proactive steps are necessary to protect at-risk populations while ongoing investigations aim to unveil the full scope of the outbreak.
The FSA and UKHSA are collaborating on a broad range of measures to ensure ongoing assessments of food safety that prioritize public health. As investigations continue, both agencies are committed to transparency regarding their findings and actions needed to prevent future outbreaks.
This unfortunate situation underscores the critical need for constant vigilance in food safety regulations, especially in environments where particularly vulnerable populations are served. The authorities involved are dedicated to ensuring comprehensive measures are implemented to restore trust and safety in the food supply chain.
