Cases of foodborne illness in the UK have increased significantly, from 60,055 in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024 — which works out to 121.9 cases per 100,000 population.
The most affected group are people aged 50 to 79, who account for 44 percent of all cases.
Regarding salmonella, the most affected are children under 10 years old, accounting for 21.5 percent of cases.
Investigation into the reasons for the increase
The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are investigating the reasons for this sharp increase in cases.
Dr. James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, said:
"We are working together to understand the reasons behind the increase in campylobacter and salmonella cases, as well as other trends with pathogens."
"This analysis will help us take measures to protect public health."
He added:
"We have launched a new awareness campaign to help people stay safe.
We are also working with the food industry and local authorities to help businesses meet their legal responsibilities for food safety.”
Warning about packaged salads
These comments come just hours after health authorities issued an alert for ready-to-eat salads, due to the risk of contamination with a bacteria that causes brain damage and breathing difficulties.
In inspections carried out on packaged salads in Europe and the UK, Toxoplasma gondii, a deadly parasite, was detected in at least 4% of samples analysed from October 2021 to September 2022.
The parasite is spread through contact with animal feces and contaminates food and water. Salads that are not washed properly are suitable breeding grounds for this parasite.
Toxoplasma does not always cause stomach problems as is usually the case with food poisoning.
Symptoms include:
fever
Muscle pain
Fatigue and drowsiness
Confusion and headache
Scientists warn that contamination could be much more widespread, as the law does not mandate regular testing of fresh produce for foodborne parasites, either in the UK or the EU. /GazetaExpress/
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