Food manufacturers are recalling at least 60 types of packaged sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets due to possible E. coli contamination.
E. coli bacteria were not detected in the products, but they are being withdrawn from the market as a precaution. It is understood that these items contain lettuce leaves.
Retailers involved include Aldi, Asda, Co-op and Morrisons.
Around 211 people in the UK are now known to be affected by E. coli – up from 113 last week.
The UK’s Health Safety Agency said at least 67 people had been admitted to hospital.
Experts previously said the ongoing E. coli outbreak was linked to foods that were widely and readily available — but did not name specific items.
These include an Aldi chicken fajita tri-pack, an Asda smoked bean and cheddar cheese, a Boots chicken salad sandwich, a Sainsbury’s Greek-style wrap, a Co-op ham and cheese wrap, a Morrisons gluten-free sandwich plate and an Amazonian prawn layered salad.
These include Tesco Chicken Salad Sandwich, Tesco Tuna Crunch Sub and Tesco Spicy Bean Wrap.
A third manufacturer is expected to announce a recall as early as Saturday.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said: “This is a complex investigation and we worked quickly with the relevant businesses and local authorities to narrow down the wide range of food consumed to a small number of salads. sheet products that were used in sandwiches and wraps.”
He added: “The infection caused [E. coli] STEC bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhea and, in some cases, more serious complications.
“Therefore, we advise all consumers who have any of these products not to eat them.”
Andrew Opie, of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The retailers concerned are taking swift action to remove these products from sale and are working closely with the Food Standards Agency to take the additional measures necessary to minimize the risk to their customers.”
E. coli can sometimes contaminate the water or soil used to grow lettuce and other vegetables.
How do you treat E. coli and what are the symptoms?
E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that commonly live in the intestines of humans and animals.
Some types are harmless, but others can make people seriously ill.
Tests have shown that the type in this outbreak is called E.coli STEC O145.
It produces Shiga toxin – which can attack the lining of the intestine.
Symptoms may include diarrhea that may be bloody, stomach cramps, fever and vomiting.
It usually takes a few days after infection for symptoms to appear.
Most people recover well, but some – such as young children or people with underlying medical conditions – can become very ill.
There is no specific treatment for E. coli infections. People who are infected can usually be treated at home and most recover without medical treatment.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
A small number can develop serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can damage the kidneys.
People should seek medical attention if concerned.
There are things people can do to reduce their risk of infection.
Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap — alcohol gels won’t kill all the bugs that cause diarrheal diseases.
Wash fruits and vegetables and cook food at recommended temperatures.
If you have symptoms, you should not prepare food for others and should avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes.
People should not return to work, school or daycare until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.