Listeria warning over ready-to-eat smoked fish

Ready-to-eat smoked fish, such as smoked salmon, is too risky for some people to consume because of a rare chance of getting listeria food poisoning, UK food safety experts say.

While most people would not become seriously ill, certain susceptible groups, including the over-65s, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions such as cancer, weak immune system and chronic liver or kidney disease.

As a precaution, these groups are being advised to avoid eating uncooked smoked fish.

Smoked fish, pate, cured meats and some soft cheeses such as camembert and brie have been linked with listeriosis.

Listeria bacteria are commonly found in the environment in soil, for example – and can contaminate and grow on food, even if it is chilled in the fridge.

A joint FSA investigation with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified 14 linked cases of listeriosis since 2020, with eight of these since January 2022. Cases have been identified in England and Scotland. The majority of these individuals reported eating ready-to-eat smoked fish.