Food Standards Scotland (FSS), the UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are reinforcing their advice to vulnerable groups of consumers in relation to the risks of Listeria monocytogenes infection which, in some cases, is claimed to be linked to ready to eat smoked fish.

The organisations are giving advice to those who are over 65, pregnant or have weakened immune systems that they should ensure that ready to eat smoked fish is thoroughly cooked before they eat it.

This latest news follows an ongoing outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes which is particularly unsafe for those who are susceptible to Listeria infection.

The investigation 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. One case has been a pregnant woman.

Ron McNaughton, head of food crime and incidents at FSS, said: “While the risks to the general public of becoming seriously ill due toListeria are very low, we need people who are vulnerable – specifically those over 65, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems – to be aware of the ongoing risks of consuming ready to eat smoked fish.

“If anyone from these groups is eating ready to eat smoked fish, we are reminding them of the advice to ensure that it is thoroughly cooked before they eat it including when served as part of a dish.”

Professor Saheer Gharbia, interim deputy director gastrointestinal infections and food safety at UKHSA, added: “In light of this ongoing outbreak, we are advising pregnant and vulnerable people to only eat ready to eat smoked fish that has been thoroughly cooked to reduce the risk of listeriosis.”

FSS has created an online Smoked Fish Tool, which aims to help manufacturers assess their individual practices with tips and guidance to support safe production, including the use of cold and hot smoking and shelf life.