Listeriosis is a rare but serious foodborne illness caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. It mostly affects older people, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages or serious illness in babies. Listeriosis is a major concern because it is the most common cause of death from foodborne illnesses in the EU.

Risks of Smoked Fish

New evidence suggests that eating smoked fish is a high risk for certain groups of people vulnerable to listeriosis. These groups include the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Studies have shown that smoked fish consumption has been linked to outbreaks of listeriosis. In fact, the number of cases associated with smoked fish has been increasing since 2020.

Data from the UK Government

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has investigated several incidents related to smoked fish and listeriosis between 2015 and 2023. In these incidents, a total of 31 cases were linked to smoked fish consumption, including 8 deaths and 3 cases during pregnancy. This shows that smoked fish continues to be a risk for listeriosis.

Microbiological Testing

Testing conducted by the UKHSA’s Food Water and Environmental Microbiology (FWEM) laboratories has shown a small but increasing trend of detecting Listeria monocytogenes in smoked salmon products. This supports the concern that smoked fish can be contaminated with the bacteria.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that eating smoked fish poses a risk of listeriosis, especially for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. This risk has been increasing in recent years. It is important for these high-risk groups to be aware of this danger and take precautions to protect themselves and their health.