Dozens hit as ham linked to food poisoning outbreak

AN investigation has been launched into a major outbreak of food poisoning linked to cooked ham.

At least nine people aged between 22 and 77 in Yorkshire have been infected by the salmonella bug, forcing the hospitalisation of two aged 25 and 68.

Public Health England (PHE) said the cases were being linked to cooked ham bought from small independent butchers.

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Tests had not shown salmonella but did reveal other hygiene issues, leading to the withdrawal of some batches of ham by one supplier.

The outbreak was first detected in Wales in August with clusters in Leeds, Stafford, Cumbria and the Thames Valley.

Overall 51 people aged between seven months and 87 have been hit. Nine have required hospital treatment and other cases are being investigated.

Bob Adak, head of the gastrointestinal diseases department at PHE, said all possible leads were being followed.

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“Although the source of the outbreak has not been confirmed, some of the cases have been linked to the consumption of cooked ham sold by a small number of independent butchers,” he said.

Salmonella poisoning is usually caused by contaminated raw or undercooked food. Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.