Listeria in smoked salmon and Scottish compensation claims

In recent years the farmed salmon industry has come under fire as a result of concerns over levels of chemical contamination. Thankfully few product liability cases led to Scottish compensation claims, but the salmon farm owners experienced consumer doubt in the form of reduced sales.

However, the 2008 results of a Food Standard's Agency (FSA) survey on the food poisoning bug listeria in smoked fish products throughout the UK has revealed reassuring data.

According to the Salmon Processors and Smokers Group (SPSG) their membership represents more than 95% of smoked fish production in the UK. These are primarily companies that manufacture smoked fish and fish delicatessen products, supplying the majority of UK retailers.

The FSA survey examined levels of listeria in ready-to-eat smoked fish, available to consumers in over 1,000 grocers, fishmongers and supermarkets nationwide, between July and November 2006. Over 3,000 fish samples were analysed to check for Listeria monocytogenes, the predominant cause of listeria food poisoning in humans.

Traces of Listeria monocytogenes were found in 302 samples, but 99% fell within the legal limit for ready-to-eat foods. Only three samples tested over the legal safe limits.

Since 2000, UK reported cases of illness from listeria have doubled, particularly in those aged over-60. Listeria is found naturally in the environment and in a wide range of foods from pate and soft cheese, to cooked meats and smoked fish.

Dr Andrew Wadge, Chief Scientist at the FSA said, "These findings suggest that, listeria isn't generally a problem in ready-to-eat smoked fish at point of sale but it doesn't tell us what happens when people get it home. Are they preparing and storing food correctly and eating it within its 'use by' date? These and other questions are at the heart of further work we're doing with our expert scientific committees to get to the bottom of this increase in listeria."

Ian Michie, Chair of the SPSG said, "Members of the SPSG operate to the highest levels of hygiene and cleanliness in their factories. They monitor the raw material, process and product for listeria and take appropriate preventative actions to minimise the risk of it occurring in smoked fish. Companies regularly review their production operations and follow industry best practice, which is fully communicated across the sector."

Scottish compensation claims and contaminated foodstuffs
If you have been affected by a contaminated food product you may be able to make a compensation claim with YouClaim. YouClaim's panel of personal injury solicitors are experienced in making successful Scottish compensation claims and are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, thereby guaranteeing you the highest level of professionalism at all times.

We operate on a no win no fee basis, which means you do not have to pay for our legal services whether you win or lose. We also ensure you will receive 100% of any award that is made. Quite simply you will never have to pay us a penny.

So, if you wish to make a Scottish compensation claim call our free helpline now on 0800 10 757 95 and our friendly operators can advise you if you are eligible to claim. Alternatively we can call you back at a time to suit you or you could even fill in our online claim form and we will look into your claim before calling you back at a time of your choosing.