Elderly targeted in food bug drive

Published on Saturday 13 June 2009 20:03

ELDERLY people are being targeted in a new campaign aimed at cutting the number of cases of potentially deadly listeria food poisoning.

It follows a doubling in the number of cases reported in the UK since 2000, and will be launched during Food Safety Week 2009, running from 15 to 21 June.

The Food Standards Agency has outlined groups with weakened immune systems who are especially vulnerable to the disease, including the over-60s, pregnant women and the chronically ill.

The listeria bug kills more people in the UK each year than E coli and Salmonella combined.

In 2007 there were approximately 500 reported cases, nearly all of which resulted in hospitalisation and 170 in death, primarily amongst the elderly.

Typically, more than 95 per cent of cases require hospital treatment. It can lead to premature delivery, miscarriage or even stillbirth in pregnant women, as well as posing a severe risk to the health of the child.

The FSA noted that elderly people were more likely to eat foods beyond an acceptable hygiene date, and were the most confused by labelling, adding to their risk of contamination.

The campaign will distribute posters and leaflets at GPs' surgeries, pharmacies and other community centres, particularly in areas with high numbers of elderly people.

Chilled, ready-to-eat foods such as sliced meats, pt, smoked fish and soft cheeses have been highlighted as the most liable to contamination.

Sandy McDougall of FSA Scotland said: "There are some simple steps people can take to prevent getting ill in the first place: be aware that 'use by' dates indicate how long food will remain safe, and stick to them; always follow storage instructions; and make sure your fridge is cold enough – between 0C and 5C."

He added: "Cases of food poisoning double in frequency during the summer months but it is very easy to avoid becoming one of those who fall ill by sticking to these simple steps."

Symptoms of the disease include fever, muscle aches, and often nausea or diarrhoea, and in more severe cases, headaches, a stiff neck, loss of balance and convulsions.