December brings in the joy of festivities like Christmas and New Year's. It's the holiday season that goes synonymous with feasts and Christmas dinners, but recently, there has been a potential risk in one of the most beloved Christmas delicacies. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning about the dangers of consuming cold-smoked and cured fish, such as smoked salmon, smoked trout, and gravlax, which are often enjoyed during Christmas celebrations.

These ready-to-eat fish products may carry Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that causes listeriosis. While the risk to the general population is low, certain groups face severe health consequences if infected.

Cold-smoked fish undergoes a production process that doesn’t involve full cooking, leaving any listeria bacteria potentially intact. This increases the likelihood of infection compared to heat-treated or cooked fish products.

“Smoked fish is a festive favourite, but for those at higher risk, precautions are essential,” said Linden Jack, Head of the Food, Feed and Incidents Policy Unit at the FSA. “We advise vulnerable people to avoid cold-smoked fish unless thoroughly cooked until steaming hot.”

The warning applies especially to foods labelled as "smoked," which tend to be sliced thinly and are common in dishes like sushi or as breakfast items.

Pregnant women, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as cancer, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or immunosuppressive medications are most vulnerable.

- Pregnant Women: Listeria can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.

- Weakened Immune Systems: Those infected with listeria often require hospitalization and face life-threatening complications.

- Older Adults: The risk of severe illness increases with age, making older individuals particularly susceptible.

Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director of Gastrointestinal Infections at the UK Health Security Agency, assured that the overall population risk remains low but emphasized caution for high-risk groups.

The FSA provides clear guidance to minimize listeriosis risks:

- Cook Thoroughly: Heat cold-smoked fish to a steaming temperature before eating. For dishes like pasta or scrambled eggs, cook the fish rather than simply warming it.

- Follow Labels: Tinned smoked fish, which undergoes heat treatment during production, is safe to consume without further cooking.

- Practice Safe Food Storage: Keep foods chilled below 5 degrees C and consume them within the recommended time frame.

- Avoid Expired Foods: Do not eat products past their use-by date, as bacteria like listeria cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.

- Separate Foods: Store raw and ready-to-eat items separately to prevent cross-contamination.

Listeria contamination isn’t limited to smoked fish. Other ready-to-eat foods at higher risk include:

- Cold pre-cooked meats like chicken.

- Deli meats such as salami and cold cuts.

- Soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and blue-veined varieties.

- Pate and cooked shellfish.

- Pre-packaged salads and sandwiches.

- Unpasteurized dairy products and pre-cut fruits like melon slices.

Listeriosis is a rare but serious illness caused by ingesting contaminated food. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Severe cases may lead to meningitis or blood poisoning.

For pregnant women, even mild flu-like symptoms should not be ignored, as the infection can cause devastating complications for the baby.

Smoked Fish: Smoked salmon, often a staple in holiday breakfasts, poses unique risks due to its processing method. Cold-smoked fish are cured with smoke at lower temperatures, which doesn’t kill bacteria like listeria.

“If you’re hosting holiday meals, take precautions to protect vulnerable guests,” urged Jack. This includes serving thoroughly cooked versions of smoked fish and being mindful of storage and preparation practices.

While cold-smoked fish remains a cherished part of Christmas traditions, the FSA’s advisory highlights the importance of understanding food safety risks. By cooking smoked fish and adhering to storage guidelines, everyone can enjoy festive meals safely.

Health experts urge vigilance, particularly for those shopping or preparing meals for vulnerable people. “By taking these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of listeriosis,” the FSA advises.

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