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Dangerous germs: Electron micrograph of Listeria
Photo: Manfred Rohde/Helmholtz Center for Infection Research/dpa
According to information from "Welt am Sonntag", a man died after eating food contaminated with germs in a hospital.
The newspaper has an expert opinion from the Hessian task force for food safety, which reports on the lack of hygiene and controls in the case.
Listeriosis from contaminated food in the hospital
Three other people are said to have contracted listeriosis from contaminated food between October 2021 and January 2022.
The infectious disease is caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is usually transmitted through contaminated food.
At least two of the sick people are said to have become infected during a stay in the clinic.
The contaminated food is said to come from a fruit and vegetable farm in southern Hesse.
He had delivered sliced cucumbers, which were also served in salads in hospitals, among other places.
According to the report, a genetic match was found between the bacteria found in the sick and the germs found in the company.
An investigation by the task force has apparently found serious hygiene deficiencies in the company.
The report quoted lists rat droppings, mold and standing puddles, as well as structural defects such as the lack of hygiene locks and inadequate water drainage.
Cleaning plans and self-checks are also said to have shown gaps.
failures of the authorities
There are also said to have been omissions by the responsible authorities.
The veterinary office in Groß-Gerau admitted to the "world" that it "did not monitor the operation in accordance with the legal requirements".
Most recently, the company had not been checked for two years, although the law stipulates one or two tax audits per year.
In mid-February, the authorities finally became aware of the abuses in the company and prohibited further processing of food.
Now the public prosecutor's office in Darmstadt is investigating against the company.
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