Worrying Rise: England Sees Highest Spike in Food Poisoning Cases in a Decade | Latest Food Safety Updates

England faced a significant rise in food poisoning cases in 2024, marking the highest levels seen in the last decade. This increase, driven by Campylobacter and Salmonella infections, led health officials to issue urgent safety warnings.

The UK Health Security Agency found that cases of Campylobacter soared by 17.1%, rising from 60,055 infections in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024. Adults aged 50 to 79 made up 44% of these cases.

Similarly, Salmonella cases reached a decade high, climbing by 17.1% as well, from 8,872 to 10,388. Children under 10 years old represented 21.5% of the reported Salmonella infections, showcasing their vulnerability.

These bacteria often come from contaminated food sources, including meat, eggs, raw fruits, and unpasteurized dairy. They can also spread through close contact with infected people, highlighting the importance of hygiene in households.

Experts emphasize that young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk, facing potentially severe health issues if infected.

Interestingly, other foodborne illnesses showed varied trends. Cases of Cryptosporidium dipped by 16.4%, but this was still the second-highest number in a decade. Outbreaks were linked to petting farms and contamination of water sources in South Devon earlier this year. On the flip side, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli cases rose slightly, with non-O157 STEC cases increasing by 14%, mainly due to better diagnostic testing methods.

Symptoms of these infections usually include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. While most people recover within a week or two, vulnerable groups are at risk of serious complications, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, a dangerous kidney condition.

Health officials stress the importance of prevention. Regular handwashing, especially after handling raw meat or using the restroom, is crucial. If you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to stay away from food preparation and skip work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms clear up.

The Food Standards Agency has introduced a new safety campaign focused on the “4Cs” of food hygiene: cooking, chilling, cleaning, and cross-contamination prevention. You can find more information about food safety on their website at food.gov.uk.

Finally, consumers are encouraged to consistently check Food Hygiene Ratings and adhere to use-by dates, as harmful bacteria often don’t show up through smell or appearance.

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