Epidemics in hospitals revealed that almost all were related to the consumption of pre-packaged sandwiches

The NHS was warned that pre-packaged sandwiches could kill patients three years ago, before three people died during a new outbreak of listeriosis.

Scientists initially reported the fatal risk of contamination in hospitals in 2016.

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But now, three more patients have died and three others have remained gravely ill after catching listeria in chicken salad sandwiches last month.

Food scientists warned three years ago that sandwiches at the hospital were an ideal breeding ground for the plague.

This is because foods are stored in refrigerators that are not cold enough, are left on trolleys in hot rooms before being served, and are sometimes distributed after their expiration date.

Last night, Norman Lamb, a former Liberal Democrat Minister of Health, told Sunday People, "It is outrageous that a clear warning has been ignored for so long."

Warning of origin

The STS food safety company was commissioned by the Food Standards Agency in 2016 to study the dangers of pre-packaged sandwiches in retirement homes and hospitals.

The following report revealed that sandwiches have been responsible for almost all outbreaks of listeriosis in hospitals since 2003.

Fiona Sinclair, the author of the report, said at the time: "Hospitals and nursing homes feed the most vulnerable people in society.

"The last thing these people need is to get something else besides their illness."

Nine hospital listeriosis outbreaks have been identified in the UK since 2003, with each case affecting between two and seven patients.

The latest outbreak was revealed on Friday, when six people were diagnosed with severe listeria infection between April 25 and May 15.

Three of them have since died, two at the Royal Manchester Infirmary and one at Liverpool 's Aintree Hospital.

New survey

A new investigation on sandwiches at the hospital was launched when it was suggested that they could be at the root of the listeria outbreak.

The investigation revealed that The Good Food Chain sandwiches were to blame – and that food had been provided to 43 hospitals and stores across the UK.

There is also concern that infected worms have been sold to sports venues, businesses and universities.

Officials said the North Country Cooked Meats supplier's meat had been tested positive for the listeria strain responsible for the outbreak.

The company has voluntarily stopped production.

They provided meat to The Good Food Chain, which prepared the sandwiches. Since then, they have removed all sandwiches and prepackaged salads from sale.

Delayed cases

It is unclear whether other Britons will contract the infection – it may take 70 days after exposure to show the signs of the disease.

Kimon Andreas Karatzas, badociate professor of food microbiology at the University of Reading, said: "The company has stopped production and we hope that this will put an end to the epidemic.

"However, due to a relatively long incubation period, it is possible that there are potentially more cases."

A PHE spokesperson confirmed that the food items were no longer produced.

Affected products have also been removed from hospitals when links to listeria infections have been identified.

Following the withdrawal of the product, Public Health England and Health Protection Scotland wrote to their respective NHS trusts and councils to ensure that they followed appropriate food storage and handling protocols and to provide advice. clinics.

"The risk to the public is low"

Dr. Nick Phin, Deputy Director of the National Infection Service at PHE, said, "Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased patients.

"Together with the FSA, our local authority colleagues and the NHS, we worked expeditiously to determine the likely cause of this outbreak and took steps to reduce the risks to public health.

"To date, no badociated cases have been identified outside of health care organizations and the risks to the public are low."

An insect can cause meningitis and death

Listeria bacteria can be serious for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Prof. Brendan Wren, an expert from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "If eaten, it can cause gastroenteritis and, in frail patients, a more serious illness such as meningitis and, in rare case, death.

"Pregnant women can pbad on the infection to their unborn children, who are particularly susceptible to infection.

"In this small epidemic, there is a group of cases in hospitalized patients already sick.

"Listeria can survive refrigeration temperatures, which means it can persist in food processing equipment and in the food chain."

The company boasts 'quality products' & # 39;

The Good Food Chain website says: "We are proud to revolutionize sandwiches for healthcare patients.

"Our mission is to give you more for less – to make them fresh, tasty, nutritious, attractive and value for money –

"Our products are designed for patients today to give them a coffee sandwich in a bed."

They added, "Our customers value quality products at the right price, and they are sure that all our products are carefully prepared by hand in a safe environment, just as you would in your own kitchen."

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Dr. Colin Sullivan, Deputy Director General for Operations at the FSA, said: "Our condolences go to the families of the tragically deceased patients.

"We have taken steps with local authorities to minimize the risks based on the evidence so far.

"The FSA will continue to investigate the cause of the epidemic and the need for other measures to protect vulnerable groups."

There are about 166 annual listeria cases in England and Wales – with 46 deaths between 2010 and 2016.

Listeriosis is a rare infection that goes unnoticed by most people or has mild symptoms of gastroenteritis that typically last for a short time without treatment.

Sometimes, however, a more serious infection develops and spreads to the bloodstream or the brain.

This can happen in people who have serious underlying health problems and can also occur in pregnant women.

Pregnant women and people with underlying health problems can find more information on the NHS website.

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