AN urgent probe has been launched by Scotland’s food safety watchdog after a severe food poisoning outbreak linked to NHS hospital desserts left three people dead down south.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has partnered with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS and local authorities to investigate a deadly spate of listeria.
It is believed to be linked to mousses and ice cream made by Cool Delight Desserts[/caption]
It comes after a total of five cases of listeria monocytogenes – a bacteria posing serious risks to vulnerable patients – were flagged between May and December last year in NHS hospitals in England.
Though no cases have been reported in Scotland, the FSS said it is investigating as a “precaution”.
The outbreak is believed to be linked to mousses and ice cream made by Cool Delight Desserts, with the FSA recalling all chilled desserts supplied by the company to the NHS and care homes.
Routine tests last month flagged listeria contamination in two mousse flavours – chocolate and vanilla and strawberry and vanilla.
While levels were below the regulatory threshold, officials warned that the bacteria poses a heightened risk to certain groups, including pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Listeria can cause an illness called listeriosis – a rare infection from consuming contaminated foods.
Symptoms include a fever, aches, pains, vomiting and diarrhoea – but it can be more serious.
Stuart McAdam, Head of Incidents at Food Standards Scotland (FSS), said: “FSS, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS and local authorities are working together to identify the cause of an outbreak of listeria linked to desserts served in NHS Trusts and other health care settings.
“Listeria generally causes only mild illness, but some people are at a higher risk of serious infection including those who are pregnant, new-born babies, people with weakened immune systems and people over 65, and this risk increases with age. There are no known Scottish cases.
“The desserts potentially linked to the reported illness are currently being removed from the supply chain.
“The food business that supplied the products are undertaking a product withdrawal, as a precaution.
“The cause of contamination is being investigated, and the local authority is working with the business to ensure appropriate action is taken to protect public health.”
