Officials probe raisins link in UK E. coli outbreak

More than 35 people have fallen sick in an E. coli outbreak in the United Kingdom.

The Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak has had 36 cases across the UK since November 2023.

Patient interviews have identified raisins from Turkey as a potential source, and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has raised the issue with Turkish authorities.

Border control posts have been advised about the possible link and encouraged to conduct surveillance sampling.

Ongoing investigations

Jane Rawling, head of incidents at the FSA, said: “The FSA is working in partnership with UKHSA, retailers and other authorities after being made aware of several cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

“Enquiries have yet to confirm a common source. If the FSA identifies a food safety risk, we will swiftly ensure products are removed from sale and inform consumers.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declined to answer any questions about the outbreak, so it is unclear what type of E. coli is behind illnesses.

Dr. Gauri Godbole, deputy director in gastrointestinal pathogens at UKHSA, said: “In recent months, UKHSA has observed higher-than-average levels of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli notifications across England, detected as part of routine surveillance.

“There is no single cause behind this, and routine investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of individual outbreaks. We continue working closely with FSA and local authorities to identify the cause of outbreaks and take the appropriate action to protect the public.”

Other E. coli and Listeria outbreaks

One such incident is an outbreak of E. coli O145, which has sickened 288 people.

One person has died, and seven cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) have been recorded in the outbreak linked to salad leaves. HUS is a clinical syndrome related to E. coli, which can lead to kidney failure and death. 

Samworth Brothers, This! and Greencore Group recalled a range of sandwiches, wraps, subs, and rolls sold at various stores. Authorities have identified one supplier of potentially contaminated lettuce but investigations are ongoing at two other suppliers.

The incident is a re-emergence of an STEC cluster investigated in 2023, where no source could be confirmed.

There has also been a re-emergence of a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak, as a new patient was detected in January, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 10. 

Nine people required hospitalization, and four have died, with the cause of death being listed as Listeria infection on two occasions. 

Investigations led to a ready-to-eat chicken manufacturer. After product and environmental sampling, the outbreak strain was detected in the production facility’s environment. The site has since permanently ceased operations, but not directly due to the outbreak findings.

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