Listeria outbreak linked to NHS desserts: what victims of foodborne illness should know
Michelle Victor and Angela Bruno of Leigh Day’s food safety team explain the risks associated with listeria and the critical role food safety laws play in protecting public health and ensuring accountability.
Posted on 28 March 2025
Food safety regulations exist to protect consumers, but when breaches occur the consequences can be fatal.
Listeria outbreak
A recent listeria outbreak linked to desserts supplied to NHS hospitals and care homes which is said to have caused three deaths and made two others ill, is the subject of a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) investigation.
Of the fatalities, one was recorded as listeriosis, while two other individuals were known to be infected with listeria bacteria at the time of their death. The UKHSA has confirmed that patients were infected between May and December 2024, after the outbreak was detected during routine surveillance at an NHS hospital in February 2025.
The affected desserts – a chocolate and vanilla mousse and a strawberry and vanilla mousse – were supplied by Cool Delight Desserts. While listeria bacteria were found in these products, investigations are ongoing to confirm whether they were the direct cause of the outbreak. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has removed the desserts from circulation as a precautionary measure while further investigations take place.
What is listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes (known as listeria) is a foodborne bacterium that causes listeriosis, a rare but serious infection than can be life-threatening if untreated. Listeriosis typically occurs after consuming contaminated food, particularly raw, chilled, or ready-to-eat products.
According to the FSA, healthy individuals typically experience mild symptoms or none at all. However, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, newborns, and elderly individuals are at higher risk of developing a severe illness, known as invasive listeriosis. This can lead to life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, sepsis, and complications during pregnancy.
Between 2014 and 2023, England and Wales saw an average of 167 listeriosis cases per year. Due to high fatalities among vulnerable populations, listeriosis remains a major public health concern, reinforcing the need for strict food safety regulations and oversight.
Having dealt with individuals who have suffered with severe life changing injuries and fatalities as a result food poisoning, it is concerning that it has taken nine months for the outbreak to be identified, and the product removed from circulation.
The connection between the dessert and the listeria should have been recognised much sooner in order to protect the public from harm.
Food producers, suppliers, and distributors have a legal duty to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers.
As a food safety team we can help people affected by listeria consider their legal options. You may be entitled to claim compensation. Time limits apply for foodborne illness claims, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Sources:
Three deaths linked to listeria detected in NHS desserts - BBC News
https://x.com/UKHSA/status/1902406090400133284
Food alert - Listeria Monocytogenese outbreak linked to Cool Delight Desserts
Listeria | Food Standards Agency
Listeria: guidance, data and analysis - GOV.UK
Michelle Victor
Michelle is a leading consumer rights lawyer and head of the food safety team in London
Angela Bruno
Angela is a leading product safety and consumer rights lawyer. She also co-manages the food safety team at the London office.
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