Health authorities slammed after unpublicised E.coli outbreak
The outbreak, which has been linked to the handling of raw leeks and potatoes covered with contaminated soil, has only recently been acknowledged by the Health Protection Authority (HPA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Fresh produce industry trade authority, the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), has accused the HPA and FSA of having “complete disregard” for the industry through their lack of communication during and after the outbreak.
Unknown origin
Between December 2010 and July 2011, the HPA, Health Protection Scotland and Public Health Wales received 250 reports of O157 strain E.coli infection across England, Scotland and Wales.
Most cases were mild but 74 people were assessed in hospital, four developed digestive disorders and one patient with underlying health problems died.
The HPA has argued that news of the outbreak was not publicised due to its origins being unknown.
Gastrointestinal disease expert at the HPA, Dr Bob Adak said, “Now that we have established a statistically significant association with the handling of the certain loose vegetables, it warrants us sharing these findings with the public, to enable them to take the necessary steps to minimise their risk of food poisoning.”
“As soon as the HPA, Health Protection Scotland and Public Health Wales saw an increase in this type of E.coli O157 we began an investigation to find the cause of the outbreak. The multi-agency Outbreak Control Team, which included colleagues at the Food Standards Agency, worked together to find out how people were becoming infected so that action could be taken.”
Complete disregard
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), which represents the fresh produce sector in the UK, said that the fresh produce industry was not informed of the potential hazards associated with certain vegetables until the 20 July 2011.
Fresh Produce Consortium Chief Executive Nigel Jenney said he was, “amazed at the HPA and FSA’s poor liaison with the industry.” He added that the HPA’s decision to make a public statement without sharing their findings, “smacks of having a complete disregard of any consequences on the industry and on consumer confidence.”
“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,” said Jenney.
Plenty of notice
A spokesperson for the Food Standards Agency told FoodProductionDaily.com, “The FSA and the HPA have engaged appropriately with industry representatives, including the FPC, over the last couple of months, so they’ve had plenty of notice of our intention to give the public helpful and appropriate advice about this outbreak.”
“During this time industry representatives have given us information about their practices to help us understand the processes involved in the production and packing of root vegetables, which has helped us decide on appropriate advice.”
