Genetically identified outbreak linked to a rural Butcher's Shop, February-March 2018, North East England.

Between February and April 2018, within a unique 5-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) address was isolated from 28 cases with links to a small rural area of Northeast England, with five cases prospectively identified by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Infections had a severe clinical picture with ten cases hospitalized (36%), two cases with invasive disease, and two deaths reported. Interviews determined that 24 cases (86%) had been exposed to a local independent butcher's shop (Butcher A).

Microbial composition and dynamics in environmental samples from a ready-to-eat food production facility with a long-term colonization of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of significant concern for the food industry due to its remarkable ability to persist through safety control efforts, posing a subsequent health threat to consumers. Understanding the microbial communities coexisting with L. monocytogenes in food processing environments provides insights into its persistence mechanisms.

Microbiological quality of vegan alternatives to dairy and meat products in England during 2022-3.

Aims: Plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy products have become increasingly popular in the UK. Despite a public perception that they have a relatively low microbiological risk, outbreaks of illness have been linked with these foods. This study aimed to assess the microbiological safety and quality of vegan alternatives to dairy and meat products available in England.

The microbiological quality of flour products in the UK with respect to Salmonella and Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

Aim: To investigate the possible contamination of raw flour and raw flour-based products, such as pancake/batter mixes, with Salmonella, generic Escherichia coli, and Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Samples included flours available for sale in the UK over a period of four months (January to April 2020).

Development and evaluation of test methods for the detection and enumeration of opportunistic waterborne pathogens from the hospital environment.

Background: Many Gram-negative bacteria other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been implicated in waterborne outbreaks, but standardized laboratory detection methods for these organisms have not been established.

Aim: This study aimed to establish laboratory testing methodologies for six waterborne pathogens: Acinetobacter spp., Burkholderia spp.