Foodborne Illnesses on the Rise: Why Compliance Matters More Than Ever

Recent UK Health Security Agency figures reveal a stark reality: dangerous E. coli cases are now double what they were a decade ago. There’s been a 26% rise in cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), a particularly nasty strain that can cause severe illness, in 2024 alone. Add rising Salmonella and Listeria cases to the mix, and the message is clear: foodborne illness is a growing threat to every food business.

While last year’s spike was partly linked to contaminated salad leaves in a national outbreak, the broader trend shows this isn’t going away. For small, independent food businesses, this rise represents real risk – to customers, reputation, and your livelihood.

We’ve always believed prevention is the best defence. But when prevention fails, having the right systems and records in place becomes the difference between a quick resolution and a business-destroying investigation.

More Than Just Paperwork – It’s Your Lifeline

Clear documentation isn’t about ticking boxes. When an incident occurs or blame lands on your doorstep, being able to show temperature records, cleaning schedules, staff training certificates, allergen tracking, and daily logs can save your business.

That’s why NCASS members have access to our printed Safety Management System and Digital Safety Management System (DSMS), a mobile-friendly platform designed specifically for independent businesses. Plus a suite of additional resources, tools and guides that complement these core systems.

These tools are proven to help members stay compliant, reduce risk, and work confidently. But they only work if you use them properly.

Time for a Check-In?

Ask yourself: When did you last complete or update you risk assessments? What’s changed operationally since then? Are your temperature logs current? When did your staff last receive training? If an incident happened tomorrow, could you prove you were operating safely?

Now’s the time to check in. If you’re an NCASS member You have everything you need at your fingertips, but you need to:

· Understand how the systems work

· Use them correctly and consistently

· Keep everything current

Your dedicated NCASS account manager is just a phone call or email away if you have any questions or concerns. Even if it’s just a quick check-in to find out if you’re getting the best out of your membership package.

Not an NCASS Member Yet?

With foodborne illness rates climbing and legal responsibility sitting squarely with food operators, a simple oversight could lead to closure, legal action, or reputation damage that takes years to recover from.

NCASS membership gives you:

· A Digital Safety Management System built for small food businesses

· Our classic paper-based system and recording diary

· Step-by-step risk assessment tools and documentation

· Online hygiene training and expert guidance

· Dedicated support from people who understand your business

[Join NCASS Today →]

The Bottom Line

The 26% rise in E. coli cases is just the latest reminder that compliance isn’t optional, it’s essential. Food safety protects your customers, your staff, and your business future.

Whether you’re already a member or considering joining, use this as your prompt to review your systems, refresh your training, and ensure your processes and documentation are actually protecting you and your customers.

Because in today’s climate, being unprepared isn’t just risky, it’s potentially catastrophic.