UK probe launched after listeria found in chicken supplied to NHS hospitals

UK health authorities have launched an investigation after listeria was found in chicken products supplied to some NHS hospital settings.

Eight frozen chicken products imported from Brazil tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, prompting a precautionary withdrawal and an official probe by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the NHS.

What happened

The products were reportedly withdrawn on June 9 after the supplier asked for them to be destroyed or returned. According to the reporting, the affected items were frozen cooked chicken products labelled ready-to-eat after defrosting.

They were imported by Foodbridge EU and Foodbridge UK and included shredded and diced chicken in flavours such as tikka, hot and spicy and barbecue.

Why it matters

UKHSA said there have been no reported listeriosis cases linked to the products so far. It also said the level of listeria detected was within the legal limit for commercial sale.

Even so, the incident is being treated seriously because the chicken was supplied into healthcare settings where patients may be more vulnerable to infection.

Listeriosis is a particular risk for pregnant women, older people and people with weakened immune systems.

What investigators are checking

UKHSA is waiting for bacterial sequencing work involving the Food Safety Authority of Ireland so it can compare the strain with any human cases.

Authorities are also continuing to trace where the products went and to make sure affected NHS settings do not use them.

Further testing or wider recall action could follow if the sequencing or tracing changes the risk assessment.