Cook frozen vegetables before eating them, officials warn

Health officials warn frozen sweetcorn may be behind a listeriosis outbreak that has killed 9 PEOPLE in Europe, including 2 in the UK

• Frozen sweetcorn is thought to be behind an ongoing outbreak of listeriosis 
• 11 cases of the illness and 2 deaths have been recorded in the UK since 2015
• Austria, Denmark, Finland and Sweden have also been affected by listeriosis
• Officials believe a freezing plant in Hungary is the source of contamination

Health officials yesterday warned frozen sweetcorn could be behind nine deaths in Europe, including two in the UK. 

Laboratory tests have shown the vegetable is the culprit for a large proportion of listeriosis cases across the continent.

The Food Standards Agency has urged people to ensure they cook all frozen veg before eating them – even if they are being added to smoothies or dips. 

Nearly a dozen cases of listeriosis, which starts with flu-like symptoms, have been recorded in the UK since 2015.

Austria, Denmark, Finland and Sweden have also been struck down by frozen veg containing listeria, with 47 cases of the infection in total.

The Food Standards Agency yesterday revealed that frozen sweetcorn is thought to be behind an ongoing outbreak of listeriosis, which can kill

European Food Safety Authority figures yesterday revealed nine of those ended in death – killing 19 per cent of infected people.

Tests by the organisation, based in the Italian city of Parma, found frozen sweetcorn was to blame for the majority of tested cases.

However, frozen spinach and frozen green beans were also found to carry the same strain of listeria that struck down two people.

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A freezing plant in Hungary is thought to be the source of contamination, according to the EFSA.

Two of the 11 UK cases consumed the same brand of frozen corn from the same supermarket, known to be supplied by Hungary.

WHAT IS LISTERIOSIS?

Most people that catch listeriosis, caused by bacteria called listeria, will only experience mild symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

However, more serious complications can develop in those with weakened immune systems, babies, the elderly and pregnant women.

Many foods can harbour listeria, but it is usually found in unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses and chilled ready-to-eat foods, such as prepacked sandwiches.  

Hungarian health officials last week ordered the immediate withdrawal of all frozen vegetable products produced by the plant. 

Most people that catch the infection, caused by bacteria called listeria, will only experience mild symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

However, more serious complications can develop in those with weakened immune systems, babies, the elderly and pregnant women.

Dr Kathie Grant, head of Public Health England’s Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit, said: ‘The best way to prevent listeriosis is to practice good food hygiene. 

‘We are reminding people that most frozen vegetables, including sweetcorn, need to be cooked before eating. This includes if adding them to salads, smoothies or dips.’

The EFSA said the extent of the outbreak had initially been underestimated, and recent cases showed it was continuing.

Its report added: ‘It is strongly recommended that the processing plant concerned is completely cleaned and disinfected.’

The EFSA said that would involve dismantling, cleaning and disinfecting all the plant equipment, as well as any additional surfaces. 

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