The FSA and FSS remind higher-risk consumers on the risks of listeria associated with eating cold-smoked and cured fish
2 December 2024
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) are reminding higher-risk consumers of the risks of listeria associated with eating cold-smoked and cured fish.
Listeria is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Cold-smoked and cured fish, such as smoked salmon, trout and mackerel, are among the foods that can be contaminated with listeria. This is because the smoking and curing process does not kill the bacteria.
The FSA and FSS are advising higher-risk consumers to:
- Avoid eating cold-smoked and cured fish unless it has been cooked thoroughly. This means cooking the fish until it is steaming hot throughout and no pink meat remains.
- If you are pregnant, elderly or have a weakened immune system, you should avoid eating cold-smoked and cured fish altogether.
The FSA and FSS are also advising food businesses to:
- Ensure that cold-smoked and cured fish is stored and handled correctly to minimise the risk of contamination with listeria.
- Provide clear advice to consumers on the risks of eating cold-smoked and cured fish, and how to cook it safely.
Dr. Colin Sullivan, Chief Scientific Adviser at the FSA, said:
“Listeriosis is a serious infection that can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups. We are reminding higher-risk consumers to avoid eating cold-smoked and cured fish unless it has been cooked thoroughly. Food businesses also have a responsibility to ensure that these products are stored and handled correctly to minimise the risk of contamination.”
Professor Linda Bauld, Chief Scientist at FSS, said:
“We know that many people enjoy eating cold-smoked and cured fish, but it is important to be aware of the risks of listeriosis. We are advising higher-risk consumers to avoid eating these products unless they have been cooked thoroughly. Food businesses also have a role to play in ensuring that these products are safe to eat.”
Symptoms of listeriosis
Symptoms of listeriosis can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
In severe cases, listeria can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis or meningitis.
Treatment for listeriosis
Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent serious complications.
Preventing listeriosis
The best way to prevent listeriosis is to follow the FSA and FSS advice on food safety. This includes:
- Avoiding eating high-risk foods, such as cold-smoked and cured fish, unless they have been cooked thoroughly.
- Washing your hands and surfaces thoroughly after handling food.
- Storing food at the correct temperature.
- Cooking food thoroughly.
- Avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
Further information
For more information on listeria and listeriosis, please visit the FSA website: www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/listeria
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