Listeria Overtakes Salmonella as Top Food Safety Concern in the UK

The UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has reported a significant shift in the landscape of food safety incidents, with Listeria monocytogenes surpassing Salmonella as the leading pathogen of concern. This change in the regulatory landscape highlights the evolving challenges faced by the food industry and the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the safety of the nation's food supply.

Uncovering the Shifting Trends in Food Safety Incidents

Declining Incident Numbers, but Increasing Complexity

The FSA's data reveals a promising trend, with the number of food and feed safety incidents in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales declining to 1,837 during the 2023/24 period, the lowest in the past six years. However, this reduction in overall incidents does not tell the whole story. The agency has noted that it is now dealing with more complex events and outbreaks, which require longer resolution times. Examples of these complex incidents include the discovery of fake branded Wonka chocolate and the presence of glycerol in slush ice drinks.

Identifying the Top Hazard Types

The FSA's analysis has highlighted the primary hazard types that have contributed to the food safety incidents. Pathogenic microorganisms, allergens, food additives and flavorings, and poor or insufficient controls have emerged as the top concerns. These findings underscore the need for continued vigilance and the implementation of robust food safety protocols throughout the supply chain.

Sectors Impacted by Food Safety Incidents

The data shows that meat and meat products were involved in more than 300 incidents, the highest among all food categories. This was followed by dietetic foods and food supplements (136 incidents), poultry meat products, cereals and bakery products, and fruits and vegetables. These findings suggest that certain sectors may require additional attention and targeted interventions to address the underlying issues.

The Rise of Listeria and the Decline of Salmonella

One of the most significant shifts observed in the data is the change in the predominant foodborne pathogen. Listeria monocytogenes has now surpassed Salmonella as the top occurring pathogen, a departure from previous years. The FSA reported 13 alerts due to Listeria, 12 alerts due to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), 11 suspected norovirus incidents, and 9 Salmonella-related alerts. Notably, 7 of the STEC incidents were non-O157 strains, highlighting the evolving nature of foodborne illnesses.

Enhancing Detection and Outbreak Investigations

The FSA has acknowledged the priority placed on enhancing detection techniques for STEC in human cases within England's laboratories. This proactive approach is expected to lead to a continued rise in the detection and investigation of widespread pathogenic STEC foodborne illnesses and outbreaks.

Listeria Outbreaks and Their Impact on Vulnerable Consumers

The report provided examples of Listeria outbreaks that have had a significant impact on vulnerable consumers. These include an outbreak linked to a smoked salmon supplier, illnesses associated with a healthcare setting, a manufacturer of ready-to-eat chicken supplied to a sandwich firm, and a raw milk cheese producer. These incidents underscore the need for heightened vigilance and targeted interventions to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Salmonella Contamination in Imported Poultry Products

The report also highlighted the issue of Salmonella-contaminated poultry meat and eggs imported from Poland. In 2020 and 2021, a serious Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak was linked to frozen breaded chicken. In response, Poland introduced voluntary measures and additional legislation to improve the situation. However, the issue resurfaced in late 2023, prompting an audit of Polish poultry controls in April 2024, which was largely positive, indicating that authorities are taking steps to manage the problem.

A Concerning STEC Outbreak

The report also detailed an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O145 that occurred in December 2023. The outbreak resulted in 36 confirmed cases and 1 probable case, with patient ages ranging from 2 to 81 years old. The outbreak was associated with unpasteurized cheeses, and the outbreak strain was found in the environment of a farm that supplied Mrs Kirkham's Cheese. The high hospitalization rate and one fatality underscore the severity of this outbreak.

Non-Compliant Products and Root Causes

The report also highlighted the rise in the number of goods not intended for the UK market, particularly from the United States, being sold in retail and online channels. These non-compliant products, which include soft drinks, confectionery, and cereals, often do not comply with UK food additive laws and may contain undeclared ingredients or prohibited substances. The FSA has taken action, writing to 49 UK companies identified as importers to remind them of their legal responsibilities in ensuring the compliance of the food they supply.Furthermore, the report analyzed more than 255 root cause analysis reports received from businesses involved in incidents. The key trend areas were undeclared milk allergen and Salmonella contamination. The main causes were errors in the manufacturing process and issues with the quality of incoming materials, respectively.

Strengthening International Collaboration

The report also touched on the FSA's engagement with the International Food Safety Authority Network (INFOSAN), which has been reduced. However, the agency has secured an agreement with the EU Commission to discuss large-scale incidents and outbreaks directly, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing food safety challenges.