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Three British died from food poisoning after eating pre-packaged sandwiches, British health authorities said Friday, noting that the risk to the general public remained "low".
Patients have died of listeriosis, a rare bacterial infection that is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems or for pregnant women.
Listeria bacteria is found primarily in dairy products and refrigerated ready-to-eat foods, according to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
Public Health England said "that a number of local authorities are currently investigating the source of listeria infections related to pre-packaged sandwiches".
"The cases of listeria infection were found in six critically ill patients hospitalized in England. Three of these patients have unfortunately died, "said the health service.
The sandwich supplier, The Good Food Chain, voluntarily stopped production during the investigation.
Nick Phin, deputy director of the National Infection Service, said that "no other case has been identified" and that the risk to the public is low.
The health authorities did not specify where the cases had evolved or how far the sandwiches were sold.
zak / jj / rmb
© Agence France-Presse
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