The dangers of contracting food poisoning from listeriosis infection have been highlighted by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) after an outbreak in Switzerland that caused two deaths and two miscarriages.
Almost one in three people who contract listeriosis will die from it. Foods associated with the bacteria include dairy products such as soft cheeses, ready-to-eat products such as pâté and smoked salmon, and prepared foods such as coleslaw.
Pregnant women, young children, elderly people and people with impaired immune functions are particularly at risk from the infection, which can be caused by very small amounts of contaminated food.
Up to seven cases a year are reported in this State, with the last known fatality recorded in 2000.
The recent Swiss outbreak was caused by cheese consumption and resulted in the hospitalisation of six people as well as the deaths of two elderly people and the miscarriage of two babies.
The FSAI yesterday published a report on the dangers of listeriosis and made 58 recommendations. The report calls for tighter hygiene controls by the food industry and consumers to limit the spread of the bacteria.
Prof Albert Flynn, chairman of the FSAI's scientific committee, said most healthy people could tolerate exposure to low levels of listeria but listeriosis could be lethal for unborn babies.
"Symptoms of listeriosis for elderly people or those with impaired immune function include high fever, shivering, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea," he said.
The FSAI recommends that:
The recommendations are available on the FSAI website, www.fsai.ie
