Health Alert: Listeria Outbreak Linked to Smoked Fish Hits Vulnerable Groups
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) warns of a Listeria outbreak tied to smoked fish. This is especially dangerous for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
What You Need to Know About Listeria
Listeria is a bacterium causing listeriosis, an illness that thrives in chilled foods like smoked fish. It can survive normal fridge temps and is wiped out only through thorough cooking. Most people get mild symptoms like vomiting or diarrhoea that clear up without treatment. But for pregnant women, listeriosis risks miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe newborn illness. Senior citizens and those with weak immunity face threats like meningitis and severe infections.
Outbreak Details and Safety Advice
Since 2020, 12 linked listeriosis cases have been detected across England and Scotland, half of them since January 2022. Most patients reported eating smoked fish, including one pregnant woman.
As a precaution, the FSA updates guidance to advise vulnerable groups to thoroughly cook smoked fish before eating, even if it’s ready-to-eat.
Expert Warnings & Tips
“Due to an outbreak of Listeria linked to smoked fish, we remind vulnerable people, including pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, to always cook smoked fish thoroughly before consumption,” said Tina Potter, FSA Head of Incidents.
“Keep smoked fish refrigerated below 5⁰C, eat by the use-by date, follow storage instructions, and ensure it’s steaming hot all the way through before eating.”
Professor Saheer Gharbia of UKHSA added: “Listeria is mild or unnoticed in most people but can cause serious illness in pregnant women and those with weakened immunity. Cook smoked fish thoroughly if you’re at risk. Consult your GP or midwife if concerned.”
Who’s Most at Risk?
- Pregnant women and newborn babies
- People with cancer, organ transplants, or on immunosuppressive drugs
- Those over 65 years old
- People with uncontrolled HIV, diabetes, liver/kidney disease
- Individuals with alcohol dependency or iron overload
Stay safe by cooking smoked fish properly. Don’t risk it if you’re in a vulnerable group.
