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Daily Mirror
27-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning as infections with grim symptoms at a 'decade high'
These illnesses can prove especially nasty in young children and the elderly. Health experts have issued an urgent warning following the unprecedented increase in cases of a severe infection across England, marking the highest reported rates in over a decade. There was a notable surge in instances of campylobacter infections, with statistics recording a rise of 17.1 per cent between 2023 and 2024. Campylobacter bacteria are responsible for a condition known as campylobacteriosis which causes diarrhoea as well as stomach cramps, episodes of vomiting, and recurring bouts of fever typically lasting a week. The majority of people suffering from the infection will recover without treatment, although in some cases it can be more dangerous especially among children and elderly people. At the same time, a rise in salmonella was also documented countrywide, with infections also rising 17.1 per cent. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there had been a 'significant rise' in campylobacter and salmonella infections. As the UKHSA highlighted: "UKHSA is reminding people to take precautionary measures against catching these bacteria, which are common causes of food poisoning. Young children, elderly adults and those with weakened immune systems should take extra care as they are at higher risk of developing severe illness. "Campylobacter cases have increased by 17.1 per cent from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024, reaching 121.9 reports per 100,000 population. This represents the highest number of cases recorded in the past decade. "Adults aged 50 to 79 years account for 44 per cent of all reports. Similarly, Salmonella infections reached a decade high, with a 17.1 per cent increase from 2023, rising from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 cases in 2024." Youngsters under the age of 10 were disproportionately impacted, making up 21.5 per cent of reported instances. What's behind the surge? These infections are commonly linked to tainted food. Nonetheless, the precise cause of this upswing in illnesses is currently under scrutiny. The UKHSA stated: "Campylobacter and salmonella infections are usually caught by eating contaminated food, including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit or vegetables, and unpasteurised milk products. Infection may also occur through close contact with people with the infection – particularly in household settings – and by cross-contamination in the kitchen, for example when utensils are used for both cooked and uncooked foods. "UKHSA and Food Standard Agency (FSA) experts are investigating further with partner agencies to understand the reasons behind this increase in salmonella and campylobacter cases." It is also possible for an individual to transmit a salmonella and campylobacter infection to others, though this is relatively uncommon. The Cleveland Clinic points out: "The bacteria live in your poop. From there, they can spread from your hands to other people. If someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, they might get sick. But transmission between humans doesn't happen as often as other methods (like eating undercooked poultry)." Symptoms Campylobacteriosis symptoms include:. Diarrhoea Stomach cramping Vomiting Fever In infants the diarrhoea may also contain blood. This illness can also result in dehydration. Salmonella causes the same symptoms, although you may also get a headache. How to reduce your risk of illness To lower your risk of getting sick, the Cleveland Clinic recommends you: Don't make food for others if you're sick Always wash your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom Wash your hands before and after preparing food or eating Wash food prep and eating surfaces and utensils before and after use Cook foods to a safe temperature before eating Don't handle any other foods while working with raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs Wash or peel vegetables and fruits before cutting, eating or cooking Refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry and seafood as soon as possible Don't drink unpasteurised milk or food made with unpasteurised milk Don't drink untreated water or eat food prepared with untreated water


South Wales Guardian
26-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Health warning as Salmonella cases linked to cheese rise
Salmonella and Campylobacter cases have soared according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). These infections are usually caught by eating contaminated food such as poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk or cheese. People can die from them via dehydration or if the bacteria enters the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis — a life-threatening reaction. In response to the surge in cases, the health officials have reminded businesses and households of important food safety measures. Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA says: "Our extensive surveillance is showing high levels of gastrointestinal infections in England. We continue to work closely with partners to detect, investigate and halt the spread of infections. "These infections spread in many ways, including through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person as well as contact with an infected animal or their environment. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet or handling raw meat, before meals and after contact with animals or farms can prevent infections. Planning a BBQ this weekend? Food poisoning can easily become an unwelcome guest. Follow good food hygiene practices, such as washing your hands, cooking meat properly, and avoiding cross-contamination. More info on food poisoning: "Additionally, anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others. Do not return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery, until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided." Young children, elderly adults and those with weakened immune systems should take extra care as they are at higher risk of developing severe illness. The new data says Campylobacter cases have increased by 17.1% from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024, reaching 121.9 reports per 100,000 population. This represents the highest number of cases recorded in the past decade. Adults aged 50 to 79 years account for 44% of all reports. Similarly, Salmonella infections reached a decade high, with a 17.1% increase from 2023, rising from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 cases in 2024. Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5% of cases. UKHSA and Food Standard Agency (FSA) experts are investigating further with partner agencies to understand the reasons behind this increase in Salmonella and Campylobacter cases. Cases of the parasite Cryptosporidium decreased by 16.4% compared to 2023, with 5,708 cases reported in 2024, although this was the second highest number of cases reported in the past decade. The number of infections in April 2024 were unusually high, associated with large outbreaks linked to lambing events and petting farm venues, and an outbreak in South Devon associated with mains water. The 2023 data for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) shows a slight decrease of 2.2% compared to 2022 overall. All these gastrointestinal infections can cause similar symptoms, including diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), stomach pains and cramps, vomiting and mild fever. While most people recover within one to two weeks of infection, young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of developing serious illness or complications. In severe cases, STEC can cause haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition primarily affecting the kidneys. Dr James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, says: "Public safety is our highest priority. The FSA works closely with UKHSA and other partners to monitor and assess the latest foodborne disease data. We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in Campylobacter and Salmonella cases, as well as trends in other pathogens. This analysis will help us take the necessary action to protect public health. "We've launched a new campaign to help people stay safe - find out more on We're also working with industry and local authorities to support businesses to meet their legal responsibility to make sure food is safe. Consumers can further protect themselves by checking Food Hygiene Ratings on When preparing food at home, people can reduce their risk of food poisoning by following good hygiene practices and by following advice on the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination. Recommended reading: The FSA has put out this advice. Following good food hygiene and the 4Cs when preparing food can help protect you and others from food poisoning: cook food correctly by following the guidance on time and temperature on product labels chill your food below 5 degrees, this will stop or significantly slow the growth of bacteria clean food equipment and surfaces thoroughly, this helps to stop harmful bacteria and viruses from spreading onto food avoid cross-contamination which might lead to bacteria passing from raw foods to ready-to-eat foods via things like re-usable shopping bags, knives and chopping boards, cloths and work surfaces use food and drink by the 'use by' date on the label, even if it looks and smells fine – eating food after this date could put your health at risk as you can not smell or taste bacteria which make you ill good personal hygiene is essential when you're preparing food, this will help ensure that bacteria you may have come into contact with isn't passed to your friends, family and neighbours in their food
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New food hygiene ratings for 13 businesses in Worcester
THIRTEEN businesses have received new food hygiene ratings in March and April. The Food Standard Agency and Worcestershire Regulatory Services carry out hygiene inspections to ensure that businesses are following the law and to ensure that food is safe to eat. The highest rating a business can receive is a 5 which means the hygiene standards are very good. The worst rating is a 0 which means urgent improvement is needed. During an inspection, three things will be checked to ensure that standards are kept. These are: How food is hygienically handled through preparations, cooking and storage The physical conditions of the business such as cleanliness, layout and ventilation The processes, training and systems in place to make sure businesses manage food safely Here are the latest food hygiene ratings provided to restaurants, takeaways and pubs across the city: Last inspection: March 6 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Generally satisfactory Overall rating: 4 (Good) Last inspection: March 12 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: March 12 Hygienic food handling: Very good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: March 12 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: March 13 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: March 19 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: March 21 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) More: More: Last inspection: April 2 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: April 8 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: April 8 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: April 15 Hygienic food handling: Very good Cleanliness and condition: Very good Management of food safety: Good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: April 23 Hygienic food handling: Very good Cleanliness and condition: Very good Management of food safety: Very good Overall rating: 5 (Very good) Last inspection: April 25 Hygienic food handling: Good Cleanliness and condition: Very good Management of food safety: Very good Overall rating: 5 (Very good)
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Shoppers issued 'do not eat' warning on these Cheshire Farm products
Cheshire Farm has recalled two types of ice cream - due to concerns about an ingredient that is not mentioned on the label. Caramelized Biscuit Ice Cream and Biscoff Ice Cream have been recalled for containing have been taken off shelves for failing to alert customers of the hazelnuts that are a possible health risk to anybody with an allergy to nuts. The company has contacted the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products. The Food Standard Agency has advised customers who have bought the products to not eat them if they have an allergy to nuts, and instead return them to the store they were bought for a full refund. READ MORE: Child in 'serious condition' after dog attack READ MORE: Body found in search for missing runner Jenny Hall Cheshire Farm Caramelized Biscuit Ice Cream Batch code: L24150 Pack size: 1L Best before: 29 November 2025 Cheshire Farm Biscoff Ice Cream Batch code: L23139, L23261 Pack size: 1L Best before: 19 November 2024, 18 March 2025 For more information, please contact Cheshire Farm at: info@