Surge in deadly E coli cases linked to contaminated salad leaves outbreak that killed two people
196 people fell sick during E coli outbreak linked to salad
- Health officials have revealed there was a 26 per cent surge in shiga toxin E coli (STEC) infections in 2024, reaching 2,544 cases, partly driven by an outbreak linked to salad.
- The outbreak resulted in two deaths, 196 cases, and 126 hospitalisations.
- Major supermarkets and food manufacturers recalled numerous sandwich, wrap, and salad products in June 2024 due to contamination fears.
- Of the total cases in 2024, there were seven deaths, and children aged 1 to 4 years were disproportionately affected.
- UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency are collaborating to understand the reasons behind the rise in STEC cases and implement public health protection measures.