Warning after two die in Kirklees from listeria poisoning

Jun 13 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

PENSIONERS are being targeted in a campaign to warn about the dangers of the food poisoning listeria.

The move comes after the deadly illness claimed the lives of two people in Kirklees last year.

Across the country, fatality rates have doubled from 88 in 2000 to a shocking 161 in 2008.

Today a Kirklees food safety expert blamed soaring rates on the rising trend of convenience foods.

And she urged people to keep their food chilled and be extra-vigilant about sell-by dates.

Tracy Bousfield, senior manager for Kirklees environmental services, said: “We believe cases in the over-60s have risen partly because their immune systems become less effective as they get older.

“But what is also happening is that they live in smaller households and are more likely to buy ready-to-eat foods that are pre-packed.

“We believe they may be keeping them longer or not using them within the dates.

“The problem with listeria is that it can still grow at cold temperatures.

“So while the use-by dates are particularly important, you also have to make sure your fridge is set to 5C or below.

“Once the foods are open, they should also be used within two days, unless the manufacturer states otherwise.”