Deadly Listeria Outbreak Hits Smoked Fish
A serious Listeria outbreak linked to smoked fish is putting vulnerable Brits at risk — especially pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued fresh warnings to ensure people cook smoked fish thoroughly before eating.
Who’s at Risk?
Listeria is a nasty bacterium causing listeriosis, often lurking in chilled ready-to-eat foods like smoked fish. Most healthy people get mild symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhoea, which clear up quickly without treatment. But for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, it can be deadly — leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, severe illness in newborns, or even life-threatening infections like meningitis.
12 Cases Since 2020, More Since 2022
- Whole genome sequencing uncovered 12 linked listeriosis cases since 2020.
- Six cases occurred from January 2022 onwards.
- Cases spotted across England and Scotland.
- Most victims had eaten smoked fish; one was pregnant.
Because of this ongoing outbreak, the FSA now advises pregnant women and high-risk groups to always cook smoked fish thoroughly, even if it’s part of a ready-to-eat dish.
Expert Warnings and Safety Tips
Tina Potter, FSA Head of Incidents, said: “Due to an outbreak of Listeria linked to smoked fish, we’re urging vulnerable people — especially pregnant women and those with weakened immunity — to only eat smoked fish that’s been thoroughly cooked.”
“Keep smoked fish chilled below 5°C, use it before the use-by date, follow storage instructions, and heat it until piping hot.”
Professor Saheer Gharbia, UKHSA’s Interim Deputy Director Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety, warned: “Listeria is often mild or unnoticed, but can lead to serious illness in people with weakened immunity or who are pregnant. Cooking smoked fish properly is essential. If you’re worried, speak to your midwife, GP or specialist.”
High-Risk Groups Must Take Extra Care
The risk of listeriosis is particularly high for people with:
- Cancer or undergoing chemotherapy
- Organ transplants
- Immunosuppressive treatments like steroids or biologics
- Uncontrolled HIV or chronic diseases (liver, kidney)
- Alcohol dependency or iron overload
- Pregnancy and newborn babies
- Over 65 years of age
The FSA stresses that the public doesn’t need to avoid smoked fish altogether. But vulnerable groups should be extra cautious and cook it properly to avoid dangerous infection.
