Foodborne Illnesses on the Rise Across UK and Ireland
Recent reports from both the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) indicate a worrying trend in foodborne illnesses, alongside a significant increase in enforcement actions against food businesses. These developments underscore the critical importance of robust food safety management systems and continuous vigilance in the food sector across both nations.
UK Experiences Surge in Campylobacter and Salmonella Cases
The UK has seen a notable rise in several key foodborne pathogens. According to UKHSA data, Campylobacter infections in England increased by 17.1% from 60,055 cases in 2023 to 70,352 in 2024, reaching the highest number recorded in the past decade. Similarly, Salmonella infections also hit a ten-year high, increasing by 17.1% from 8,872 cases in 2023 to 10,388 in 2024. Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5% of Salmonella cases.
Furthermore, an increase in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections has been observed, with one STEC O145 outbreak in summer 2024 alone resulting in over 250 cases linked to contaminated leafy greens. Listeriosis cases also saw a 12.7% increase in England and Wales in 2023 compared to the five-year median, with seven outbreaks linked to smoked fish, soft cheese, and beef products.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has also reiterated its call for heightened safety vigilance within the food manufacturing sector, noting over 2,000 incidents annually reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). These incidents range from slips, trips, and falls to contact with machinery and exposure to hazardous substances. The food and drink manufacturing sector remains one of the higher-risk industries.
Ireland Reports Mixed Picture with Escalating Enforcement
In Ireland, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reported a mixed picture for foodborne diseases in 2024. While Salmonella and E. coli cases saw a decrease in the first three months of 2024, Campylobacter and Listeria infections increased. Campylobacter infections rose from 700 in Q1 2023 to 733 in Q1 2024, and Listeria infections increased from one to five during the same period. Overall in 2024, there were 3,984 Campylobacter and 799 E. coli infections recorded, along with 390 Salmonella and 22 Listeria cases.
Of particular concern is the significant increase in enforcement actions against Irish food businesses. The FSAI issued 133 Enforcement Orders in 2024 for breaches of food safety legislation, a staggering 45% increase from the 92 orders served in 2023. These orders included 115 Closure Orders, 16 Prohibition Orders, and 2 Improvement Orders. Common reasons for these enforcements included inadequate pest control, insufficient cleaning, improper temperature control of foodstuffs, unsuitable food storage, and inadequate staff training in food safety and hygiene.
Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see fire safety instructor training or explore working at heights trainer courses for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.
The FSAI also reported that its Advice Line handled 4,996 complaints from consumers in 2024, with 32% relating to unfit food and 29% to suspected food poisoning. This reflects an overall upward trend in complaints over the past decade.
COSHH Compliance Remains Crucial
Beyond foodborne pathogens, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 continue to be a vital aspect of health and safety in food-related workplaces. The HSE in the UK has reinforced its guidance on COSHH, urging employers to protect workers from chemical exposure. This is particularly relevant in the food sector, where cleaning agents, disinfectants, and pest control chemicals are routinely used. Failures in controlling exposure to hazardous substances contribute to occupational health issues, including respiratory diseases.
Employers must conduct suitable COSHH assessments, identify hazardous substances, and implement effective control measures, prioritising elimination and substitution over personal protective equipment (PPE). The HSE has also issued updated Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) in 2026, requiring employers to review and update their COSHH assessments accordingly.
These statistics and enforcement trends highlight the ongoing need for rigorous adherence to health and safety regulations in the food industry. Businesses must prioritise staff training, implement robust food safety management systems like HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), and ensure comprehensive COSHH compliance to protect both consumers and employees. For further training and resources on food safety, COSHH, and RIDDOR, visit Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk.