Signal STEC cases at highest rate since 2015 after two 2022 outbreaks

Summary

The report lists Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC) with Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria as the most significant bacterial food contaminants in the UK. STEC cases increased in 2022, pushing the rate per 100,000 people to its highest level since 2015. The report explains that this rise came from two large national outbreaks investigated that summer. Contamination can occur at every stage of the food chain, from the farm through processing, distribution and storage to cross-contamination in the kitchen, and undercooked or raw foods are more likely to carry harmful microbes. The report sees children under five, pregnant people, immunocompromised people and older adults as more susceptible to foodborne disease.