Government warns of rise in ‘barbecue bug' cases
A form of food poisoning that can cause severe kidney problems and even death is thought to be on the increase in the UK, according to a Government report to be published shortly.
Undercooked beefburgers and minced meat are the most common source of the bacterium responsible, E coli 0157. This bacterium, first identified 15 years ago, has been the cause of severe cases of food poisoning in the USA, where it is known as the "barbecue bug".
Dr Norman Simmons, a bacteriologist and former consultant at Guy's Hospital, London, is chairman of the advisory committee of independent experts set up two years ago by the Department of Health to look into the problem.
He told Caterer last week that the number of reported cases in the UK had increased from 511 in 1993 to about 650 in 1994. "You can expect between 5% and 10% of these people to develop haemolytic uraemic syndrome, leading to kidney failure, and about six deaths a year," he said.
The number of cases is tiny compared with reported cases of salmonella, which number between 30,000 and 40,000 a year. However, concern has been expressed because there is no specific treatment and children are likely to suffer most.
A spokesman for the DoH said the rise in cases could simply be down to improvements at the department's laboratories, which were now better equipped to identify cases.
The report will contain advice from the committee on preparation and food hygiene. Dr Simmons said: "Caterers should follow basic hygiene rules and use HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) procedures. They should avoid cross-contamination and cook food right through."
The worst known incident of poisoning from this strain of bacterium occurred two years ago in Seattle. The outbreak, traced to the Jack in the Box burger chain, affected over 700 diners, three of whom died.
Hamburger giant McDonald's raised the temperature at which it cooks its meat in the UK following a scare in Preston in 1991 involving more than 20 people, several of whom claimed to have eaten at a McDonald's restaurant.
