Lancashire food company under spotlight as UKHSA probes fatal listeria outbreak linked to NHS desserts

Three people have died amid a listeria outbreak linked to desserts supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it has been investigating five linked cases of listeria infection (listeriosis), which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, aches and pains and a high temperature.

All five people - including one from the North West - suffered listeriosis between May and December last year, with the UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) working to identify the cause.

One of the people who died has had their death attributed to listeria. The other two were known to be infected with listeriosis at the time of their death. The five patients were aged between 68 to 89. All had underlying health conditions and were in hospital at the time of infection. Two were from Yorkshire and Humber, one in the north-west of England, another in the West Midlands and one in Wales.

The UKHSA has declined to give any more specific information about locations or Trusts involved.

Cool Delight

The UKHSA has found a match for the outbreak strain in a particular type of dessert. It is understood the bacteria was detected in a chocolate and vanilla mousse and a strawberry and vanilla mousse, both supplied by Cool Delight Desserts, which is based in Ramsbottom.

The threshold of listeria found in the desserts is known to be below the legal threshold of what healthy people can tolerate, the PA news agency understands. However, because the desserts are supplied to hospitals and care homes where vulnerable people are cared for and treated, a product recall has been issued.

All the desserts are known to have been manufactured at the same site. The manufacturer of Cool Delight Desserts said was unable to comment at this stage.

Cause not confirmed

Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, said: “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 under way.

“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 aged can be at risk of severe illness such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis. Listeriosis in pregnancy can cause very serious illness in mothers and their babies, and in babies up to one month old.”

Higher risk

Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “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. 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.”