Listeria infections remained steady and seven outbreaks were investigated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in 2024.
There were 179 cases of listeriosis reported in England and Wales in 2024, compared to 177 in 2023.
The latest data show that while Listeria can infect people of all ages, it
Continue Reading Listeria cases stable with seven outbreaks in 2024
Several egg packers have been fined in England for fraud and altering the best-before dates on products.
Prosecutions occurred between January and March 2025 and involved offences under the Egg Marketing Regulations. They included the unlawful re-packing of eggs with altered or extended best-before dates and breaches of labeling standards.
Continue Reading Egg firms prosecuted for changing shelf life dates
Scientists have reported a substantial increase in non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections in England in recent years.
A study assessed how trends have been affected by factors such as increased use of PCR at hospital laboratory level. Audits in 2022 and 2023 identified 40 of about 100 labs reporting the PCR
Continue Reading Researchers describe spike in English E. coli infections
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has provided more details about Campylobacter and Salmonella infections in 2023.
The number of reported Campylobacter cases in England rose from 54,884 in 2022 to 60,014 in 2023. More recent data shows a further increase to more than 70,300 in 2024.
In 2023, the
Continue Reading UKHSA reports on increases in Campylobacter and Salmonella infections
England saw an increase in Campylobacter and Salmonella reports from 2022 to 2024, according to recently released information.
The data comes from the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) first annual report summarizing infectious disease trends.
Between 2022 and 2024, there was an increase in Campylobacter laboratory reports, with the rate
Continue Reading Campylobacter and Salmonella on the increase in England
Two councils in England seized imported American cereal, candy, crisps, and drinks during operations.
More than 670 items at an Oxford Street candy shop were destroyed after being found by Westminster City Council’s environmental health team.
Products included American cereal, crisps, and fizzy drinks that contained additives, colorings, and e-numbers
Continue Reading English council seizures include American products
Testing of plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products in England has found the majority of them are safe from a microbial point of view.
A study assessed the microbiological safety and quality of vegan alternatives to dairy and meat products available in England. Researchers said that despite a public
Continue Reading Sampling of vegan alternatives reveals good microbial compliance
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows Listeria infections rose slightly in 2023 and seven outbreaks were investigated.
In 2023, 177 listeriosis cases were reported in England and Wales compared to 167 in 2022. This is the highest level since 180 infections were noted in 2016.
For non-pregnancy-associated
Continue Reading Seven Listeria outbreaks hit England in 2023
Researchers have suggested ways to improve analysis to help with source attribution and Campylobacter outbreak investigations.
The standard method of Campylobacter detection is through culture, though feasibility constraints usually result in selecting or characterizing as few as one isolate per sample.
Only taking a few isolates can lead to the
Continue Reading Scientists propose change in Campylobacter sampling approach
International travel is a major risk factor for developing a range of infections, according to a study in a region of England.
Scientists found illness after travel abroad contributes substantially to the burden of infection in North East England. There has also been no reduction in the proportion of travel-associated
Continue Reading Travel abroad linked to large share of infections in English region