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Deadly Parasite Detected in Ready-to-Eat Salads as UK Sees Surge in Food Poisoning

Mandatory parasite testing is absent for fresh produce exposing vulnerable groups to potentially fatal infections.

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Overview

  • A study of 3,320 ready-to-eat salad samples across 10 European countries found Toxoplasma gondii in over 4% of products, with most positive detections occurring in winter and in packs processed in the UK, France, Portugal, Spain and Denmark.
  • Toxoplasma infection can lead to severe brain and respiratory damage and poses the greatest danger to pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems, sometimes requiring hospital treatment.
  • The UK Health Security Agency recorded 288 cases of Shiga toxin–producing E. coli this year, including nine instances of haemolytic uremic syndrome and three deaths linked to contaminated lettuce.
  • Food Standards Agency data show a rise in 2024–25 incidents involving Salmonella, Listeria and Hepatitis A alongside leafy-green–associated E. coli outbreaks.
  • Experts warn that producers are not required to test fresh salads for parasites and advise consumers to wash leaves thoroughly and keep bags refrigerated below four degrees Celsius to minimise risk.