More than 35 people have become ill in an E. coli outbreak in Great Britain.
Since November 2023, there have been 36 cases of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak in Britain.
Interviews with patients have suggested that raisins from Turkey could be a potential source, and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has raised the issue with Turkish authorities.
Border checkpoints have been informed of the possible link and encouraged to conduct surveillance sampling.
Ongoing investigations
Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “The FSA is working with UKHSA, retailers and other authorities after becoming aware of several cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
“Research has yet to confirm a common source. If the FSA identifies a food safety risk, we will quickly remove products from sale and inform consumers.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declined to answer questions about the outbreak, so it is unclear which type of E. coli is behind the illnesses.
Dr. Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal pathogens at UKHSA, said: “Over recent months, UKHSA has seen higher than average levels of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli reports across England, detected as part of routine surveillance.
“There is no single cause for this and routine investigations are underway to determine the cause of individual outbreaks. We continue to work closely with the FSA and local authorities to identify the source of outbreaks and take appropriate action to protect the public.”
Other outbreaks of E. coli and Listeria
One such incident is an outbreak of E. coli O145, which sickened 288 people.
One person has died and seven cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) have been recorded in the outbreak linked to lettuce leaves. HUS is a clinical syndrome related to E. coli that can lead to renal failure and death.
Samworth brothers, this! and Greencore Group recalled a range of sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls sold in various stores. Authorities have identified one supplier of potentially contaminated lettuce, but investigations are ongoing at two other suppliers.
The incident is a re-emergence of a STEC cluster that was investigated in 2023 and for which no source could be confirmed.
There is also a renewed outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes as a new patient was discovered in January, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 10.
Nine people required hospitalization and four died, with the cause of death twice listed as Listeria infection.
Research led to a manufacturer of ready-made chickens. After product and environmental sampling, the outbreak strain was detected in the vicinity of the production facility. The venue has since been permanently shut down, but not directly as a result of the outbreak findings.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)