Overview

• The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) are investigating a listeria outbreak tied to frozen desserts served in NHS hospitals.
• Three deaths and two hospitalizations have been linked to contaminated products, with affected individuals aged 68 to 89 and having underlying health conditions.
• Cool Delight Desserts' ice cream, mousses, yoghurts, and ice cream rolls are subject to a recall following the detection of listeria monocytogenes during routine surveillance in February 2024.
• NHS trusts have been advised to stop serving the implicated desserts as a precaution while investigations continue.
• Listeriosis poses severe risks to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and immunocompromised, with symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal issues to life-threatening complications.