Care homes told to protect older people from lethal listeria risk

Care homes and hospitals are amongst the providers being asked to reduce the risk of people in their care contracting harmful bacteria from pre-packaged sandwiches and pre-cut fruit.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published guidance for health and social care organisations, to lessen the risk of vulnerable groups getting sick or dying by contracting the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

The watchdog is warning care providers about the high risk of Listeria monocytogenes in chilled ready-to-eat foods, particularly pre-packed sandwiches, pre-cut fruit, butter and soft cheeses, which allow the bacteria to grow when stored in a fridge.

In most people, listeriosis is mild, causing a high fever, vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe listeriosis can result in sufferers getting a stiff neck, a severe headache and tremors. People over the age of 65 and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to listeriosis, which can result in serious complications such as septicaemia and meningitis.

The FSA guidance recommends limiting growth of the bacteria by having strict controls such as appropriate shelf life and effective cold chain management. This includes ensuring raw fruit and vegetables are thoroughly washed to remove any soil contaminated with the bacteria and preventing condensation in fridges.

Care homes are also being asked to be vigilant in relation to food brought in by residents, relatives, other visitors and on-site food retailers as well as food provided by its main kitchen.

The new guidance (published 30 June) was created following input from the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) and the National Association of Care Caterers (NACC), which will help deliver the recommendations.

To read the guidance visit: www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/listeria-guidance-june2016.pdf