Brit dies in listeria outbreak linked to contaminated cheese

Brit dies in listeria outbreak linked to contaminated cheese as health chiefs issue urgent alert to public

By Emily Craig Senior Health Reporter For Mailonline

Updated: 15:13 GMT, 24 March 2023

One Brit has died from listeria amid an outbreak that has been linked to contaminated cheese, health chiefs announced today.

Food safety watchdogs have now issued an urgent warning over the potential risk posed by certain Baronet semi soft cheeses, some of which contain ‘exceptionally high levels’ of the bacteria.

Dozens of types have already been recalled over fears they are contaminated with the bug.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today urged the public not to eat any of the affected products, which are all made by Wiltshire-based firm The Old Cheese Room.

Food safety watchdogs have stuck a ‘do not eat’ alert out for the products made by The Old Cheese Room

Baronet is a pasteurised semi soft cheese with a pinkish orange rind and a pungent smell.

It is sold in both small individual rounds and as 1kg wheels which may be cut down to order.

The cheeses are sometimes served sliced from a deli counter.

Brits who believe they may have bought one of the affected Baronet items have been urged not to eat it and contact their retailer.

One recall is for the 1kg Baronet, priced at £32, with best before dates of March 21, April 11, April 12 and April 18, 2023.

The other two recalls are for the 270g Mini Baronet, costing £9 and 200g Baby Baronet.

The Mini Baronet is being recalled for three batches: March 22, April 10 and April 18, 2023.

The Baby Baronet is being recalled for batches, March 22, April 4, April 10 and April 16, 2023.

In the announcement today, the FSA and UKHSA said that they had detected three listeria cases ‘potentially linked to an outbreak’ and that one person had died.

Listeria has also been found in samples taken from ‘food environments’, they said.

However, it is unclear where these are and officials insisted there is ‘no confirmation’ that Baronet is the cause of the outbreak.

Those who eat food containing listeria develop an infection called listeriosis, which can cause a fever, aches and pains, chills, nausea, sickness and diarrhoea.

While the bug usually goes away on its own, it can be serious among some groups, including pregnant women, newborn babies, over-65s, those with a weak immune system and those with diabetes.

These groups may need antibiotics to treat the infection.

What is listeriosis?

Most people that catch listeriosis, caused by bacteria called listeria, will only experience mild symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

Other symptoms of the infection can include a high temperature of 38C or above, aches and pains, and chills, according to the NHS.

However, more serious complications can develop in those with weakened immune systems, babies, the elderly and pregnant women.

Many foods can harbour listeria, but it is usually found in unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses and ready-to-eat foods, such as prepacked sandwiches.

Listeria is widespread in the environment and can be found in raw food and soil, and in the droppings of many mammals, birds, and fish.

Around 120 cases of listeriosis are confirmed every year in England, according to figures. It strikes around 1,600 annually in the US.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID LISTERIOSIS?

wash your hands regularly with soap and water
wash fruit and vegetables before eating them
store ready-to-eat foods as recommended by the manufacturer
make sure all hot food is steaming hot all the way through

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