Contaminated cheese causes listeria outbreak in UK resulting in one fatality.

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UK health experts have reported that a single fatality has occurred as a result of a listeria outbreak in the country, which has been traced back to cheese that was contaminated.

The organizations responsible for monitoring food safety and public health in the UK have issued a warning to everyone regarding the consumption of Baronet semi-soft cheeses. According to them, this particular product has been recalled because it has been discovered to be contaminated with listeria, a harmful bacterium. Therefore, it is strongly advised that people should avoid consuming this product to prevent any potential health risks.

As per the announcement of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), certain cheeses contain remarkably elevated quantities of bacteria.

The UKHSA carried out thorough genome sequencing observation of samples afflicted with listeriosis and detected three instances that may have connections to an epidemic. The health organization further revealed that a single individual passed away.

The strain responsible for the outbreak was also detected in various food items and samples collected from places where food is prepared or stored. Nevertheless, there is no conclusive evidence linking Baronet as the primary source.

The Baronet cheese has a rind that appears pinkish-orange and is known for its strong smell. You can purchase it either in small rounds for individual consumption or in larger 1kg wheels that you can have cut to your liking. This information was shared by the FSA.

The Wiltshire-based company called The Old Cheese Room produces the product and its different versions.

The shop stated that its decision to recall its items was taken as a safety measure, following a retest of a product on 10th January, which showed positive results for Listeria Monocytogenes.

Today, the Old Cheese Room released a statement saying that they are a responsible cheese producer who conducts routine cleaning, disinfecting, and swab testing in their production and aging areas.

Our monthly testing routine has been modified to be positively releasing, meaning that every batch of cheese is tested before it is sent out from our location.

The Food Standards Agency withdrew extra supplies of Baronet as examinations showed it contained Listeria Monocytogenes.

The Cheese Storage Area from the Past The area designated for storing cheese in the past has now turned into a room with historical significance. This room was once used to keep different types of cheese fresh and safe from spoilage. However, with the changes in the cheese industry and modern technology, the traditional method of storing cheese was no longer applicable, leading to its abandonment. Nevertheless, the room has been repurposed to showcase the olden techniques used in cheese production. The walls have been preserved, and visitors can still observe the hooks used to hang cheese or the shelves where they were stored. These elements bear witness to the rich history of cheese making and remind visitors of how far the industry has come. Overall, The Old Cheese Room stands as a testament to the advancements in the cheese industry over the years. It's a place that preserves history and allows visitors to appreciate the traditions that have been lost over time.

Additionally, it emphasized that all of its other cheese products were not infected.

There are three batches of Baronet cheese that have been recalled. The first batch is the 1kg size, which costs £32, and has best before dates of 21 March, 11 April, 12 April, and 18 April 2023. The other two batches are smaller sizes - 270g Mini Baronet priced at £9 and 200g Baby Baronet.

The Mini Baronet is undergoing a recall for three sets produced on March 22, April 10, and April 18 in the year 2023.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) have advised individuals who have bought the products that have been recalled not to consume them and to clean the surfaces that the products may have come into contact with.

The article also suggested that it is important to maintain the correct temperature of refrigerators, which is 5C or lower. This will help prevent the proliferation of any dangerous bacteria.

Listeriosis can exhibit similar symptoms to the flu, including a high fever, muscle soreness or discomfort, shivering, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

There are times when the infection can be extremely intense, leading to critical issues like meningitis.

Individuals who are at a higher risk for contracting listeria infections must exercise additional caution. Such vulnerable individuals encompass people above the age of 65, expectant mothers and their developing fetuses, and babies younger than one month old.

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised being extremely careful for people who have a lower immune system. These include individuals who have cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), underlying liver or kidney problems, or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

According to Tina Potter, who is the head of incidents at FSA, they are requesting individuals who are more susceptible to Listeria infection (such as pregnant individuals or those with weakened immune systems) to be cautious and follow the guidelines listed in the product recall notices. These notices specify which products may potentially pose a risk due to the recent spread of Listeria monocytogenes.

We're also requesting individuals to ensure that their senior family members who may have bought the recalled products - and are especially vulnerable - are notified of the recall and follow the guidelines.

Certain types of food have a higher likelihood of being contaminated by listeria compared to others. Examples of these foods include soft cheeses, pate, smoked fish, refrigerated sliced meats, as well as other chilled, pre-prepared food products.

If you feel signs of listeriosis, make sure to check the NHS.uk webpage for guidance and inform your nearby officials about your sickness.

According to Richard Elson, who is in charge of handling incidents and responses at UKHSA, listeriosis isn't a common infection and the majority of individuals will only have mild symptoms, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, which normally go away by themselves within several days and don't require any treatment. Nonetheless, individuals who have a weak immune system, who are pregnant, or who are elderly or babies are more vulnerable and may develop extreme symptoms.

The NHS website has useful details for those of you belonging to a high-risk category for severe symptoms. It includes guidelines on the types of foods you should steer clear of and what actions to take in case you suspect having listeriosis.