Food safety authorities in the UK have issued a warning to pregnant women and individuals with conditions like diabetes, cancer, and liver disease, advising them not to consume ready-to-eat

cold-smoked or cured salmon due to the risk of listeria. Listeriosis, caused by the bacteria listeria, can have severe consequences for those most at risk, including pregnant women who may suffer from miscarriages and severe sepsis. Additionally, newborn babies can contract meningitis if their mothers are affected.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends that these foods be cooked until piping hot to eliminate any potential listeria present. The elderly are also urged to be cautious about the risks associated with such products.

The reminder comes after a joint risk assessment by the FSA and their counterpart in Scotland. A previous outbreak linked to ready-to-eat fish in 2020 resulted in 19 confirmed cases of listeriosis and four deaths in the UK.

While the overall risk of contracting listeriosis from smoked fish remains low, pregnant women and vulnerable individuals are advised to avoid such products. If they choose to consume them, thorough cooking until steaming hot throughout is strongly recommended to kill any listeria present.

Cold-smoked fish, usually labeled as "smoked" on packaging, is commonly found in thin slices and may be eaten cold or included in dishes like sushi. Once properly cooked, smoked fish can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for later consumption.

The FSA underlines that cases of listeriosis from smoked fish are rare but urges those in risk groups who develop symptoms to seek NHS care promptly. Photo by Ruth Hartnup from Vancouver, Canada, Wikimedia commons.