Salmonella alert for London: Cases of the food poisoning bacteria soar to a 'record high'

Health chiefs have sounded the alarm over a surge in salmonella cases in London.

The capital has the highest rate in England of cases of the food poisoning bacteria, with laboratory reports at 25.6 per 100,000 people, according to a new report by the UK Health Security Agency.

This followed a 7.1 per cent jump in the rate over 12 months, with 2,329 laboratory-confirmed cases last year, to what is believed to be a new record high.

Doctors do not always send samples for testing in a laboratory so the true number of cases is likely to be significantly higher.

London’s commuter belt and the wider South East had the second highest salmonella level at 17.5, though this was far lower than the capital’s rate.

Salmonella can be found in pork, as well as eggs, chicken and other food (PA Archive)

Salmonella causes food poisoning.

Foods such as eggs, chicken, pork and dairy produce can carry the bacteria.

Fruit and vegetables can also become contaminated if they have been in contact with livestock, manure or untreated water.

Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Salmonella spreads in many ways - through contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person, or contact with infected animals or their environment.

“Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet, handling raw meat, eating, and contact with animals or farms, can help prevent infection.

“Anyone experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting should avoid handling or preparing food for others, should not return to work, and children should not attend school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared."

People are being urged to wash their hands after handling raw meat (PA Archive/PA Images)

Salmonella symptoms of diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever usually develop between 12 and 72 hours after becoming infected.

Illness usually lasts from four to seven days.

People with severe or prolonged symptoms should consult a doctor.

Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the Food Standards Agency stressed: “Public safety is our highest priority and we're working closely with UKHSA and other partners to understand the reasons behind the rise in salmonella cases, so we can take the necessary action to protect public health.

“People can reduce their risk of food poisoning at home by following the 4Cs of food hygiene: chilling, cleaning, cooking, and avoiding cross-contamination."

Young children are among the groups vulnerable to salmonella (Local Library)

Young children, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing serious illness from salmonella.

In February, Tesco recalled packets of fruit because the product had been found to contain traces of salmonella.

The supermarket advised customers to return 230g packets of Tesco Grape & Berry Medley.

Last autumn, a well-used dog food was recalled over fears it contained traces of salmonella.

Pet owners were urged to return the frozen dog food Rhondda Raw's Beef 80-10-10 to the place where they purchased it for a refund.

Waitrose sent out an urgent recall last summer over concerns of salmonella being traced in one of their ready-to-eat snacks, its Egg and Spinach Protein Pot.