FPC criticises UK over E. coli outbreak
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) is criticising UK health authorities of failing to engage swiftly and effectively with the fresh produce industry over an investigation into an outbreak of E.coli 0157 PT8 in the UK.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has announced its completion of an investigation started in January 2011 into cases of E.coli 0157 PT8. The outbreak occurred in the UK from December 2010 and was officially closed in July 2011. The source of the outbreak has not been traced, and among several other products, fresh vegetables were associated as a potential cause of the outbreak. HPA states that the link is made by statistical analysis of just 30 cases, from a total of 250, and based on people recalling what they had eaten.
In June the HPA advised the Food Standards Agency (FSA) of a potential link based on epidemiological evidence to the preparation of loose potatoes and leeks. The soil in loose products has been implicated as a potential link between cases to the outbreak; however the actual source of the outbreak has never been identified. The fresh produce industry was not informed until 20 July of the potential link to fresh vegetables.
"Given the heightened sensitivities and devastating impact on the industry following the unrelated E.coli outbreaks in France and Germany, we are amazed at the HPA and FSA’s poor liaison with the industry. This decision to make a public statement without sharing their full findings with the industry and the public smacks of having a complete disregard of any consequences on the industry and on consumer confidence," said Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the FPC.
It’s vital that UK authorities liaise and share information with us much sooner, and that they understand more about industry processes as part of any thorough investigation before pointing the finger at certain sectors of the food industry. Instead we are being blamed without being given the opportunity to review the evidence on which this conclusion is based," added Nigel Jenney.
Food poisoning outbreaks linked with the contamination of fresh produce remain extremely rare in the UK. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated that eating vegetables such as leeks and potatoes is perfectly safe as long as they are stored, prepared and cooked correctly. The HPA and FSA are reiterating advice to UK consumers on good hygiene practices as a precautionary measure with regard to this outbreak of E.coli, which is not related to the recent E.coli outbreaks in France and Germany.
"Consumers should continue to enjoy eating fresh produce as an important component of a healthy diet," said Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive. "It’s common sense for consumers to wash fruit and vegetables before eating them and to follow good hygiene practices in the home when preparing any food".
