Food poisoning infections across England have reached their highest point in ten years, with new figures revealing a 17.1 per cent increase in cases between 2023 and 2024.
As a result, Britons have been slapped with a stark reminder about the best hygiene practices - and the worst mistakes - when preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The UK Health Security Agency has released data showing alarming rises in salmonella and campylobacter infections, which are the two most prevalent bacterial causes of foodborne illness.
The surge has prompted health officials to issue urgent reminders about kitchen hygiene practices.
Contaminated poultry, meat, eggs and unwashed produce are among the primary sources of infection, alongside unpasteurised dairy products and cross-contamination from shared kitchen utensils.
Contaminated poultry, meat, eggs and unwashed produce are among the primary sources of infection
GETTY
Campylobacter cases have soared to 70,352 in 2024, up from 60,055 the previous year, marking the highest level in a decade at 121.9 reports per 100,000 population, with adults aged 50 to 79 making up 44 per cent of all reports.
Salmonella infections similarly hit a ten-year peak, climbing from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 in 2024.
Meanwhile, children under ten were disproportionately affected, comprising 21.5 per cent of cases.
Whilst cryptosporidium cases fell by 16.4 per cent to 5,708 in 2024, this still represented the second-highest figure in the past decade.
Notable outbreaks were traced to lambing events, petting farms and contaminated mains water in south Devon.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Deputy director of food policy at the FSA Dr James Cooper said: "We are working together to understand the reasons behind the rise in campylobacter and salmonella cases, as well as trends in other pathogens.
"This analysis will help us take the necessary action to protect public health."
He added that the agency's new campaign and collaboration with industry and local authorities seek to ensure businesses meet their legal obligations for food safety.
Meanwhile, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at UKHSA, Dr Gauri Godbole, warned that infections spread "through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person as well as contact with an infected animal or their environment".
The FSA has advised abiding by the "4Cs" of food hygiene
GETTY
The FSA has advised abiding by the "4Cs" of food hygiene: chilling food below 5C, cleaning equipment and surfaces thoroughly, cooking according to product label instructions, and avoiding cross-contamination through shopping bags, chopping boards and work surfaces.
Dr Godbole emphasised that thorough handwashing with soap and water is essential, "particularly after using the toilet or handling raw meat, before meals and after contact with animals or farms".
She added: "Anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others.
"Don't return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery, until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided."
Most Read
