The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed an outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to ready-to-eat meals produced by a single company, with one man having died from the infection.
Two men, one living in the East Midlands and one in the east of England, were diagnosed with listeriosis after eating the meals. One of the men consumed a prepacked cooked chicken and a sea-bass meal in February 2025, while the second had teriyaki salmon, chili and garlic chicken donburi, lamb burger, potatoes and assorted vegetables shipped between February and March.
Death certificate lists listeria as cause
As reported by Food Safety News, it has since been confirmed that one of the men passed away, with Listeria monocytogenes infection listed as a cause of death on his death certificate.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) was informed, and officials met in May 2025 to discuss cleaning and halting production at the unidentified food production facility. At the time of the investigation, the business had 22,000 customers across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Council informed of complaints
Havering Council, in London, is reported to be the local authority that oversaw the firm, which has now ceased production. The council was informed in late 2024 and early 2025 of three alleged food poisoning complaints relating to the manufacturer.
Many of the meals had been fully cooked, chilled, and require thorough reheating before consumption. Officials from the FSA took 109 samples, 73 environmental swabs, and 36 from foods during visits to the company's factory between April 2024 and October 2025. Listeria matching the outbreak strain was found in one food and five environmental samples.
NHS advice on listeriosis
The NHS said: "Listeriosis is a rare infection caused by bacteria called listeria. It usually goes away on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill."
They added: "Listeriosis is usually caused by eating food contaminated with listeria bacteria. Listeria can contaminate a wide range of foods, but most infections are caused by eating chilled, ready-to-eat foods, such as: cold, cooked sliced meats and cured meats; smoked and cured fish – including in sushi; cooked shellfish; soft mould-ripened cheeses (such as camembert and brie) and blue-veined cheeses; pâté; pre-prepared sandwiches and salads; pre-cut fruit (such as pre-packed melon slices); unpasteurised milk; dairy products made from unpasteurised milk."
