The risk to vulnerable consumers from Listeria monocytogenes in ready to eat smoked fish

Abstract

Infection with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness in people who are more vulnerable to infection, and hospitalisation and death can occur in serious cases. There are several factors that make people more vulnerable to infection with this bacteria, such as: pregnancy (where infection may lead to miscarriage or illness in newly born babies) ageing (as the immune system weakens with age, older adults - usually defined as those who are aged 65 and over - can be more susceptible to listeriosis compared with the general population) people who are considered immunocompromised due to a medical condition or treatment Certain ready-to-eat foods (foods that are not expected to undergo cooking) can allow the survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes. Ready-to-eat smoked fish (such as smoked salmon and trout) is recognised as one of these foods. This risk assessment was requested to provide evidence to support a review of the advice for vulnerable consumers on the risk of eating ready-to-eat smoked fish.