A recent listeria outbreak in the UK has been linked to desserts supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes, resulting in three fatalities. The outbreak was identified during routine surveillance in February 2025 and involves five cases of listeriosis with the affected individuals ranging in age from 68 to 89.
All patients had underlying health conditions and were hospitalized when they contracted the infection, which occurred between May and December 2024 across several regions, including Yorkshire and Humber, the North West of England, the West Midlands, and Wales.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Food Standers Agency (FSA) are collaborating to investigate the outbreak’s source. Laboratory testing has identified a potential link to desserts supplied by Cool Delight Desserts, specifically chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry-flavoured mousse.
Although the levels of listeria detected in these desserts were below the legal threshold considered safe for healthy individuals, a precautionary product recall has been initiated due to the vulnerable nature of the population in hospitals and care homes.
Dr. Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director for Gastrointestinal Infections at the UKHSA, emphasized that while the cause of the outbreak remains unconfirmed, the potential link to these desserts has prompted NHS Trust and care providers to stop serving them until further notice.
She noted that listeriosis typically causes mild symptoms in most people but can pose severe health risks, including meningitis and life-threatening sepsis, especially for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the FSA, highlighted the collaborative efforts between agencies to identify the cause of the outbreak and ensure public health safety. The FSA has advised removing all Cool Delight Desserts products, including ice cream, ice cream rolls, mousses, and yoghurts, from service and sales as a precautionary measure.
The manufacturer, Cool Delight Desserts, has not commented on the situation at this stage. The company is cooperating with authorities during the investigation.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in healthcare settings. The incident underscores the importance of rigorous food safety protocols, especially in environments where patients may be more susceptible to severe infections.
The ongoing investigation into the listeria outbreak linked to NHS desserts highlights the critical need for vigilance in food safety, particularly in healthcare settings where patients are most vulnerable.
The collaboration between health agencies and the proactive measures taken to remove potentially contaminated products demonstrate a commitment to protecting public health during this challenging situation.