Environmental health body advise public to be vigilant amid rise in cases of foodborne illness

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has advised the public to be vigilant as new figures show infections from a type of bacteria that can cause severe stomach upsets rose by 26% in England last year.

The latest annual data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed the significant rise in illness from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in 2024.

STEC are bacteria that can cause gastroenteritis, with symptoms ranging from diarrhoea and stomach cramps, to vomiting and dehydration. In severe cases it can lead to a serious life-threatening kidney condition.

The highest incidence of STEC cases in 2024 was in children aged 1 to 4 years, which may be explained by a combination of factors such as less time to build immunity to infection, less developed hygiene practices and potential exposure to risk factors such as contact with farm animals, particularly at petting farms. Travel-related cases also increased significantly by 60.5% from 114 in 2023 to 183 in 2024.

It is believed the increase in infections was partly driven by a June 2024 outbreak linked to contaminated salad leaves.

Meanwhile, an outbreak of listeria in the Republic of Ireland has this month seen a recall of ready meals which were linked to one death and nine listeriosis cases, while a number of spinach and mixed leaves products have been recalled in Northern Ireland as a precaution.

Environmental Health Officers perform a critical role in keeping people in their communities safe and well from foodborne illnesses, by ensuring food establishments are meeting the required standards of cleanliness and that the food they serve is safe to eat.

As the summer holidays get into full swing, CIEH is offering advice to people to take the appropriate precautions to keep themselves and their family safe from bacterial illnesses.

Professor Chris Elliott, CIEH Honorary Vice President and food safety expert, said:

“The rise in STEC cases outlined in these latest figures is extremely concerning but does follow a worrying pattern, as cases have doubled in England over the past decade and this mirrors other foodborne illness levels such as Salmonella and Listeria.

“The prevalence of these bacterial illnesses, as well as Cryptosporidiosis cases linked to farms in England and Wales, highlight the importance of people taking steps to prevent infection, especially as they get out and about this summer.

“EHOs play a key role in working with food businesses to ensure they are meeting their legal obligations in terms of hygiene and food safety. We would urge the public to check the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rating for premises before they eat out to give them assurance that the venue they are attending is meeting these obligations and that the food is safe to eat.

“CIEH is continuing its calls for the mandatory display of these ratings in England, in line with Wales and Northern Ireland, to drive up hygiene standards and increase compliance with food hygiene law (read more here).

“Washing hands with soap and warm water, particularly before and after preparing food and when visiting farms with your children this summer, remains an effective step that people can easily do to help prevent catching or spreading illnesses.

“Barbecues are a great way to enjoy the good weather and spend time with friends and family, but warm weather and outdoor cooking can be the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow. Make sure the grill you use is clean before use, ensure the barbecue is hot enough to cook food thoroughly and that you wash your hands and utensils before and after use.

“More tips on barbecue food safety can be found here: https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/bbq-food-safety.”

The surge in cases of infections also highlights the importance of businesses ensuring they and their staff have completed accredited food safety training.

CIEH, as trusted experts in the field, offer food safety training that supports every stage of the food supply chain – from farm to fork.

Designed to meet the needs of both businesses and individual learners, CIEH’s courses cover everything from entry-level food hygiene to advanced Level 3 training in catering, manufacturing and farm and pack house workers.

Delivered online or in the workplace, CIEH’s flexible approach ensures minimal disruption while helping organisations stay compliant, reduce risk and build safer environments.