By Milly Vincent For Mailonline
Published: 15:24 BST, 7 June 2019 | Updated: 16:14 BST, 7 June 2019
328 shares
12
View
comments
Three hospital patients have died in England following a listeria outbreak linked to pre-packed sandwiches, health officials revealed today.
The outbreak has been linked to six seriously ill patients, three of whom died at Aintree University Hospital and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trusts.
Sandwiches and salads linked to the cases have been withdrawn and the supplier, The Good Food Chain, has voluntarily ceased production while the probe continues.
Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was one of the two hospital trusts affected
Meat was produced by North Country Cooked Meats, based in Salford, Greater Manchester
This firm had been supplied with meat produced by North Country Cooked Meats which subsequently produced a positive test result for the outbreak strain of listeria.
This business and North Country Quality Foods, which they distribute through, have also voluntarily ceased production. There are no cases in Scotland or Wales.
Most people that catch listeriosis, caused by bacteria called listeria, will only experience mild symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Other symptoms of the infection can include a high temperature of 38C or above, aches and pains, and chills, according to the NHS.
Listeria monocytogenes (stock) as found in the pre-packaged food sold at hospitals
However, more serious complications can develop in those with weakened immune systems, babies, the elderly and pregnant women.
Many foods can harbour listeria, but it is usually found in unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses and ready-to-eat foods, such as prepacked sandwiches.
Listeria is widespread in the environment and can be found in raw food and soil, and in the droppings of many mammals, birds, and
