Latest news with #campylobacter
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Warning as food poisoning infections reach highest level in a decade
Food poisoning infections have soared to their highest level in a decade across England, new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals. The figures show a 17.1 per cent rise in reported cases of salmonella and campylobacter between 2023 and 2024, two of the most common bacterial causes of foodborne illness. These infections are typically contracted through the consumption of contaminated food, such as undercooked poultry, meat, eggs, or unwashed raw fruit and vegetables. Unpasteurised milk and cheese also pose a risk. Beyond dietary sources, transmission can occur through close contact with infected individuals or via cross-contamination in the kitchen, for instance, when utensils are used for both raw and cooked ingredients. In light of the escalating numbers, the UKHSA is reminding the public to adopt robust hygiene practices to protect themselves. The agency stresses that children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable and should exercise heightened caution. Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, said: '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.' The FSA said people should cook food correctly by following the guidance on time and temperature on product labels, and chill food below 5C. People should also clean food equipment and surfaces thoroughly and avoid cross-contamination through things like re-usable shopping bags, knives and chopping boards, cloths and work surfaces. People should also eat food by the 'use by' date on the label even if it looks and smells fine, and wash their hands before and after preparing food. The data shows how campylobacter cases are at their highest in a decade, rising 17.1% from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024, reaching 121.9 reports per 100,000 population. Those aged 50 to 79 accounted for 44% of all reports. Meanwhile, salmonella infections also reached a decade high, with a 17.1% increase, from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 in 2024. Children under 10 were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5% of cases. Elsewhere, cryptosporidium decreased by 16.4% compared with 2023, with 5,708 cases reported in 2024, although this was the second highest number of cases reported in the past decade. Large outbreaks last year were linked to lambing events and petting farm venues, and an outbreak in south Devon was associated with mains water. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director, gastrointestinal infections, at UKHSA, said 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'. She added: '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. 'Additionally, anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others. 'Don't return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery, until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Salmonella cases reach highest levels in a decade
Cases of salmonella infections have reached their highest levels in a decade, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said. Salmonella infections increased by 17.1% from 2023, from 8,872 cases in that year to 10,388 cases in 2024, the agency said. Similarly, campylobacter cases increased by 17.1%, from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024 - reaching nearly 120 reports per 100,000 people. Salmonella and campylobacter infections are typically caught by eating contaminated food, including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk products, the UKHSA said. Infection can also occur through close contact with infected people and by cross-contamination in the kitchen, for example when utensils are used for both cooked and uncooked foods. They can cause symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach pains and cramps, vomiting and mild fever. Most people recover within one to two weeks, but children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks of developing serious illness or complications. The agency said it wanted people to take precautionary measures against catching the bacteria, which it said are common causes of food poisoning. It said young children, elderly adults and those with weakened immune systems "should take extra care" as they are at higher risk of developing severe illness. UKHSA and Food Standards Agency experts are investigating the reasons behind the increase in salmonella and campylobacter cases. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: "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. "Additionally, anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others. Don't return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery, until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided."
Sky News
2 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Salmonella cases reach highest levels in a decade
Why you can trust Sky News Cases of salmonella infections have reached their highest levels in a decade, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said. Salmonella infections increased by 17.1% from 2023, from 8,872 cases in that year to 10,388 cases in 2024, the agency said. Similarly, campylobacter cases increased by 17.1%, from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024 - reaching nearly 120 reports per 100,000 people. Salmonella and campylobacter infections are typically caught by eating contaminated food, including poultry, meat, eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, as well as unpasteurised milk products, the UKHSA said. Infection can also occur through close contact with infected people and by cross-contamination in the kitchen, for example when utensils are used for both cooked and uncooked foods. The agency said it wanted people to take precautionary measures against catching the bacteria, which it said are common causes of food poisoning. It said young children, elderly adults and those with weakened immune systems "should take extra care" as they are at higher risk of developing severe illness.
Sky News
08-05-2025
- Health
- Sky News
A ban on chlorinated chicken has protected farmers, but it's protected UK consumers too
Why has there been such a flap about chlorinated chicken? In American abattoirs, it is standard practice designed to reduce levels of bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter - the leading source of foodborne illness in the US, as well as here in the UK. The chlorine wash itself is not the problem. Numerous studies have shown trace amounts of chlorine on meat pose no risk to health, and we consume far more in our tap water every day than we would get from eating it. Instead, the argument behind the ban on chlorination here in the UK and Europe is that it can cover up poor hygiene standards during the rearing or slaughtering of chickens. 1:29 During trade negotiations, the US has long argued that it is just an excuse for protectionism - a reason to keep significantly cheaper US chicken out of British supermarkets and restaurants. But the main reason American chicken is cheaper than ours comes down to animal welfare standards. In the UK, for example, there are legal limits on the number of birds that can be crammed into a shed. In the US, there are none - at a federal level at least. The same goes for lighting and bedding material, also key for healthy, happy chickens. With higher stocking densities, lower costs for lighting, bedding and being able to use antibiotics to boost growth - also banned here in the UK - Big Chicken in America can produce more meat at much lower cost. A ban on chlorinated chicken has effectively kept cheaper, lower-welfare chicken out of the UK for decades. The US and free market campaigners aren't wrong: it has protected our farmers from competition.
