Salmonella Outbreak: Link To Butchers' Ham

A salmonella outbreak that has seen nine people admitted to hospital may be linked to cooked ham from small independent butchers, say health experts.

The outbreak of the infection Salmonella Typhimurium has led to 21 confirmed cases in Wales and 30 in England.

Nine are known to have required hospital treatment, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said.

Other potential cases are being investigated in both countries by public health officials, the FSA and environmental health officers.

The outbreak was first detected in Wales in August and centred mainly on Conwy and Gwynedd.

Additional clusters were investigated in England in the Thames Valley, Leeds, Cumbria and Stafford areas, the FSA said.

Patients ranged in age from seven months to 87 years.

Investigations had found a potential common link to cooked ham from local butchers.

The FSA said: "Testing has been carried out on ham supplied to a number of butchers identified in the investigation.

"No trace of salmonella has been found, but other hygiene issues were identified that led to one supplier voluntarily withdrawing certain batches of ham. Investigations are ongoing."

Salmonella food poisoning is usually caused by eating contaminated raw or undercooked food such as meat, eggs, and dairy products.

Symptoms can include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.