Three deaths linked to listeria detected in NHS desserts

Three deaths are being investigated as part of a listeria outbreak linked to desserts supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed it is investigating the deaths as well as two non-fatal cases between May and December of last year.

One death was recorded as listeriosis. Two other people were known to be infected with listeria bacteria at the time of their death.

The bacteria was detected in a chocolate and vanilla mousse and a strawberry and vanilla mousse, both supplied by Cool Delight Desserts, UKHSA said - although it was not confirmed as the source of the infections.

The threshold of listeria found in the desserts was known to be below the legal threshold of what healthy people can tolerate, the PA news agency reported.

The Food Standards Agency said that the desserts were being removed from the supply chain as a precaution while investigations continue.

The five patients were aged between 68 and 89. All had underlying health conditions and were in hospital at the time of infection.

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Source: BBC News, 19 March 2025