1st Sep 2022 - 05:00
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Abstract
Food Standards Scotland (FSS), the UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are reinforcing their advice to vulnerable groups of consumers in relation to the risks of listeria monocytogenes infection linked to ready to eat smoked fish.
The advice to those who are over 65, pregnant or have weakened immune systems is that they should ensure that ready to eat smoked fish is thoroughly cooked before they eat it. The investigation has identified 14 linked cases of listeriosis since 2020, with eight of these since January 2022.
Listeriosis is a form of food poisoning caused by the bacterium listeria monocytogenes. Most people who are affected get mild gastroenteritis which subsides in a few days. However, certain individuals are particularly at risk of severe illness such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis.