Antibiotic-resistant superbugs feeding on sewer fatbergs

FATBERGS in sewers pose a threat to human health by acting as breeding grounds for superbugs immune to antibiotics, an investigation has found.

Analysis of a 750m fatberg – a congealed mass of fat and discarded items – in a sewer on London’s South Bank revealed strains of bacteria including E. coli and listeria which are resistant to life-saving drugs.

Experts have warned that people could be exposed to the bugs in the event of a blockage which pushed sewage back up through domestic or commercial pipes. In that event, normal antibiotics could prove useless against the virulent strains.

Forensic analysis showed cooking fat was the biggest contributing factor for the fatberg, which was the largest known example in Britain, while typical items found included cotton buds, wet wipes, condoms and nappies. The study by Thames Water and Channel 4 also found significant evidence of prohibited gym supplements.

Alex Saunders, waste networks manager for Thames Water, urged people not to “feed the fatberg”.