Three Fatalities Linked to Listeria Outbreak in NHS Hospitals
Investigations underway as health officials link deaths to desserts served in healthcare settings.
Health officials in the United Kingdom are currently investigating a listeria outbreak that has resulted in three fatalities and involved patients in NHS hospitals.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are examining five confirmed cases of listeriosis, which caused severe illness after patients consumed specific desserts in hospital settings.
The five affected individuals were aged between 68 and 89 and all had pre-existing health conditions at the time of their infections.
Reports indicate that the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes was identified as the cause of death for one individual, while the other two fatalities occurred in patients who were also confirmed to have contracted listeriosis.
The cases have been documented between May and December 2024, with infections reported in two hospitals located in Yorkshire and Humber, one in the North West, one in the West Midlands, and one in Wales.
While health officials have yet to determine the definitive cause of the outbreak, there is evidence pointing to a link with desserts supplied by the manufacturer Cool Delight Desserts.
In response to the ongoing investigation, the Food Standards Agency has recommended that NHS hospitals and care facilities, particularly those caring for vulnerable populations, refrain from serving any products associated with the outbreak.
This includes a variety of desserts such as ice creams, mousse, and yoghurts, which are typically provided in hospital and care home settings.
Dr. Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections at the UKHSA, confirmed that laboratory testing has detected a potential connection between the outbreak and a specific type of dessert that is not sold in retail environments but is distributed to some NHS Trusts.
She emphasized the importance of immediate action to prevent further illness while the investigations are ongoing.
Listeriosis typically presents mild symptoms in healthy individuals, such as nausea, diarrhea, and fever, but can lead to severe complications in high-risk groups, including the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and newborns.
Dr. Godbole highlighted the potential for severe outcomes, including meningitis and life-threatening sepsis in vulnerable populations.
Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the FSA, reiterated the risks associated with listeria infections, particularly in care settings where individuals with increased susceptibility reside.
She confirmed that all potentially affected dessert products are being systematically removed from the supply chain as part of the precautionary measures.
The manufacturer, Cool Delight Desserts, has acknowledged the investigation but has refrained from making further comments at this stage.
All implicated products are reported to have been produced at the same site, and local authorities are actively collaborating with the food business to ensure measures are implemented to safeguard public health.
Additionally, the West Midlands Care Association has received a formal alert from the FSA regarding Cool Delight Desserts, instructing the immediate withdrawal and quarantine of all ice cream, mousse, and related dessert products while the investigation continues.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are examining five confirmed cases of listeriosis, which caused severe illness after patients consumed specific desserts in hospital settings.
The five affected individuals were aged between 68 and 89 and all had pre-existing health conditions at the time of their infections.
Reports indicate that the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes was identified as the cause of death for one individual, while the other two fatalities occurred in patients who were also confirmed to have contracted listeriosis.
The cases have been documented between May and December 2024, with infections reported in two hospitals located in Yorkshire and Humber, one in the North West, one in the West Midlands, and one in Wales.
While health officials have yet to determine the definitive cause of the outbreak, there is evidence pointing to a link with desserts supplied by the manufacturer Cool Delight Desserts.
In response to the ongoing investigation, the Food Standards Agency has recommended that NHS hospitals and care facilities, particularly those caring for vulnerable populations, refrain from serving any products associated with the outbreak.
This includes a variety of desserts such as ice creams, mousse, and yoghurts, which are typically provided in hospital and care home settings.
Dr. Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections at the UKHSA, confirmed that laboratory testing has detected a potential connection between the outbreak and a specific type of dessert that is not sold in retail environments but is distributed to some NHS Trusts.
She emphasized the importance of immediate action to prevent further illness while the investigations are ongoing.
Listeriosis typically presents mild symptoms in healthy individuals, such as nausea, diarrhea, and fever, but can lead to severe complications in high-risk groups, including the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and newborns.
Dr. Godbole highlighted the potential for severe outcomes, including meningitis and life-threatening sepsis in vulnerable populations.
Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the FSA, reiterated the risks associated with listeria infections, particularly in care settings where individuals with increased susceptibility reside.
She confirmed that all potentially affected dessert products are being systematically removed from the supply chain as part of the precautionary measures.
The manufacturer, Cool Delight Desserts, has acknowledged the investigation but has refrained from making further comments at this stage.
All implicated products are reported to have been produced at the same site, and local authorities are actively collaborating with the food business to ensure measures are implemented to safeguard public health.
Additionally, the West Midlands Care Association has received a formal alert from the FSA regarding Cool Delight Desserts, instructing the immediate withdrawal and quarantine of all ice cream, mousse, and related dessert products while the investigation continues.
