Certain groups, including pregnant women, newborns, individuals with weakened immune systems, and the elderly, are at higher risk for serious complications from listeriosis.

A severe food poisoning outbreak linked to desserts served in NHS hospitals has tragically resulted in three deaths and two hospitalizations due to listeria infections.

The FSA detected listeria in two mousse flavors last month, prompting a precautionary recall of all ice cream, mousses, and yoghurts from Cool Delight Desserts.

Hospital staff have been instructed to check and remove potentially contaminated products from ward fridges to ensure patient safety and prevent further infections.

Tina Potter from the FSA emphasized that collaboration between health agencies is ongoing to identify the outbreak's cause and protect public health.

The desserts implicated in this outbreak include ice cream, cream rolls, mousses, and yoghurts, which are served in certain NHS Trusts but are not available in retail stores.

Although listeria was found in mousse samples collected at an NHS hospital in February 2025, the detected levels were below the regulatory threshold.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) are currently investigating five reported cases of listeria, with infections identified between May and December 2024.

The affected hospitals are located in Yorkshire and Humber, North West, West Midlands, and Wales, highlighting the widespread nature of this outbreak.

Common symptoms of listeriosis can range from mild signs like high temperature and vomiting to severe cases that may present with headaches, stiff neck, and confusion.

To minimize the risk of listeriosis, individuals are advised to maintain proper food hygiene, keep refrigerated foods at or below 5°C, and consume ready-to-eat items promptly.

Despite listeria levels being below the regulatory threshold, NHS staff have been advised to remove all related products from service as a precaution.