The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) have launched a joint investigation into five recent cases of the deadly Listeria monocytogenes bug
A deadly outbreak of listeria linked to desserts supplied to NHS hospitals has sparked an urgent recall of products. The new cases of the deadly bug have been reported at various locations across England, suggesting a new outbreak of the bacteria.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) have launched a joint investigation into five recent cases of Listeria monocytogenes. Three people died and two others fell seriously ill. The UKHSA has informed health and social care professionals about the investigation and its association with Cool Delight Desserts supplied to the NHS, according to FoodSafetyNews. Below, the Mirror has delved into everything we know about the apparent outbreak.
Three die from severe food poisoning after eating dessert supplied to NHS hospitals
What are the products affected?
Officials believe the source of the outbreak came from Cool Light Deserts’ chocolate mousses and ice creams. All chilled desserts including ice cream, ice cream cream rolls, mousses and yoghurts supplied by the company to the NHS and care homes have now been recalled by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) as a precaution.
Hospital staff have been urged to check ward fridges to ensure products are removed, according to MailOnline. The FSA said the bacterium was detected in two different mousse flavours last month. Levels of listeria monocytogenes were below the regulatory threshold of 100 colony forming units per gram (CFU/g).
A representative from Cool Delight Desserts told Food Safety News the company was in ongoing discussions with the FSA. The company said it was currently unable to comment while investigations continue.
How old are the people infected?
The infected patients were identified between May and December last year, with the age of those infected ranging between 68 to 89 years old. The five infections include two in Yorkshire and Humber and one each in the North West, West Midlands and Wales.
The outbreaks match clinical isolates that were found in a chocolate and vanilla mousse and a strawberry and vanilla mousse both sampled in February 2025 at an NHS hospital in the South West, as part of routine surveillance.
The median age of the five new cases is 87 and they range from 68 to 89 years old. Those affected are also said to have underlying health conditions and were hospitalised at the time of infection. Out of the five cases, three died, including one where Listeria monocytogenes was reported as the cause of death.
What is listeriosis?
Listeria causes a type of food poisoning called listeriosis, which can be particularly dangerous for people with a compromised immune system. For most people, listeriosis has no symptoms or only causes mild symptoms for a few days, such as a high temperature of 38C or above, aches and pains, chills, feeling sick or vomiting and diarrhoea.
Listeriosis is a rare infection which is usually caught from eating food containing the listeria bacteria. However, some people are more at risk of developing severe listeriosis, which can cause serious issues including meningitis and even death.
Who is most at risk?
Severe listeriosis can cause a miscarriage if left untreated, and so pregnant women should contact a midwife if they think they have the disease. Pregnant women should avoid foods that carry the highest risk of causing listeriosis, including brie, camembert, all types of pâté, unpasteurised dairy products or any undercooked food, and stay away from farm animals that are giving birth. Babies and those over the age of 65 are also more at risk.
Anyone who has a condition that weakens their immune system, like diabetes, or is having treatment that weakens their immune system, like chemotherapy, should ask for an urgent doctors appointment if they think they have the bug.
The NHS says it is important to call 999 or go straight to A&E if you have a severe headache and stiff neck, discomfort looking at bright lights, fits or seizures, sudden confusion and a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it. This could be a sign of meningitis caused by listeriosis.
