'Supermarket X' could have infected thousands with pig virus

Thousands of people may have been put at risk of contracting Hepatitis E from pork products sold at a leading supermarket. 

The virus, which can cause liver cirrhosis and neurological damage, could have infected up to 200,000 people in the UK each year from 2014 to 2014, according to a Public Health England (PHE) report.

By tracing the habits of those infected, the study concluded that only “Supermarket X” was significantly associated with Hepatitis E (HEV), in particular own brand sausages. Only pork products from Europe, mainly Holland and Germany, and not the UK carry the strain.

Both PHE and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have declined to name the supermarket in question.

A spokesman from PHE said: “We clearly state in the paper that the association with the supermarket does not infer any blame.

“If it was thought there was an immediate public health threat or available preventative measures, we would have taken action.”

However, sources told the Sunday Times that the supermarket involved was Tesco. When questioned  by The Daily Telegraph, the supermarket giant said it would not be able to comment on the allegations specifically.

A spokeswoman for the retailer added: “We work very closely with the FSA and PHE to make sure customers can be confident in the safety and quality of the food they buy.

“This particular research was carried out six years ago on a small number of people, and although it provided no direct link between specific products and hepatitis E we always take care to review research findings such as this.

“Food quality is really important to us and we have in place an expert team to ensure the highest possible standards at every stage of our supply chain, as well as providing clear information to customers on how to handle and cook pork in the home to minimise the risk of hepatitis E.”

The FSA said that they were aware of the findings and "reviewing all aspects of hepatitis E” with other government departments and industry.