In the UK, the Health Safety Agency announced that the seven listeria outbreaks in 2023 were linked to smoked fish, soft cheeses, and beef products. Health officials are on high alert against the dangers of listeria and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria, which can be fatal, especially for vulnerable groups. It was emphasized that awareness should be increased for products carrying a high risk of infections, as these bacteria have reportedly increased in sandwiches and salads prepared in recent years. Listeria typically causes symptoms resembling the flu, such as fever, muscle aches, and nausea, but in some cases, life-threatening complications like meningitis can develop.

The number of listeriosis cases in the UK in 2023 increased by 13%, with a significant portion being related to pregnancy and resulting in stillbirths or miscarriages. On the other hand, the E. coli outbreak led to the recall of more than 60 sandwiches, wraps, and salads sold in major UK stores over concerns about the bacteria. This outbreak, which affected 288 people and resulted in nine cases of kidney failure, two of which were fatal, posed a serious threat. Experts note that certain foods like lettuce are more susceptible to bacteria.

Food safety experts highlight the critical importance of rapidly detecting and controlling pathogens like listeria and E. coli, stressing that the public and industry need to be more cautious to prevent the spread of these pathogens. It was also noted that bacterial infections from pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens, Yersinia, and Campylobacter are increasing. Particularly, Campylobacter, while low-cost to treat if detected early, poses serious risks for vulnerable groups as a common cause of food poisoning.

Health officials emphasize the need for increased food safety measures and awareness in the community. Food poisoning, induced by consuming contaminated food and beverages, starts suddenly in the body. Common symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, which can vary depending on the cause of food poisoning.

Symptoms of food poisoning can be summarized as:

Stomach discomfort
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Diarrhea accompanied by bloody stools
Stomach pain and cramps
Headache
Fever
Blurred or double vision
Limited movement in limbs
Numbness in the skin
Severe fatigue
Changes in voice