UKHSA Health Protection Briefing Note: BN2026/023 – Bacillus Cereus Contamination of Linen in Health and Adult Care Setting

Dear colleagues,

The purpose of this briefing note is to detail the clinical and public health response. UKHSA has been notified by a large healthcare laundry company, which supplies linen to a range of health and adult social care organisations in England, that monthly microbiological testing of linen revealed above threshold counts of Bacillus cereus (B.cereus). UKHSA has been notified that three processing sites in England are affected, however additional sites and other healthcare laundry companies may also be impacted. The organisations served are in multiple regions of England and include a range of acute and non-acute NHS Trusts, private providers, residential adult social care providers, and others.

If you have any queries about the information cascaded, please contact: HCAIAMR.IOIG@ukhsa.gov.uk

Please note: This is being cascaded on behalf of UKHSA