Nearly 70 Foodborne Norovirus Outbreaks Reported in England Over Eight Years

Between 2015 and 2023, England experienced 67 foodborne norovirus outbreaks, according to the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA). These outbreaks, reported through the eFOSS system, affected 4,018 people, with 299 laboratory-confirmed cases and 11 hospitalizations. Outbreak sizes ranged from 3 to 1,000 cases, with a median of 31 per outbreak. The largest outbreak occurred in 2016 across 23 Wahaca restaurant branches, likely linked to an uncooked chipotle chili product. Outbreak numbers fluctuated, with only three reported in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Catering settings were implicated in 56 outbreaks, including restaurants, takeaways, and food service establishments. Common food vehicles included composite/mixed dishes and shellfish, particularly oysters, which accounted for over 1,100 cases across 13 outbreaks. Investigations frequently identified infected food handlers, contaminated ingredients, and cross-contamination as contributing factors. These findings highlight the ongoing public health risk posed by foodborne norovirus and the importance of food safety measures in catering environments.

07-10-2025