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Escherichia Coli 0157: H7 Outbreak in Scotland in 1996/97

Year of publication 2002

Author Nutrition Division

Product type Meeting

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) An outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 infectious intestinal disease occurred in Central Scotland in late November 1996. A total of 496 cases was linked to the outbreak. In all there were 21 deaths of infected persons, although some were not as a direct result of the infection. All of those who died were elderly. The cause of the outbreak was traced to contamination of cooked meat at a butchers. Investigations revealed very poor food hygiene practices that allowed cross contamina tion between raw and cooked meat. This outbreak illustrates the importance of: Hazard analysis and implementation of control measures; Good management and staff training; Effective enforcement.

Meeting symbol GF CRD UK-1

Language English

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