Dozens of sandwiches have been recalled from stores after more than 200 cases of E.coli linked to a single outbreak were found in the UK.
According to the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), there have been 211 confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) across the country as of Tuesday 11 June.
At least 67 people have so far been admitted to hospital as a result of what the UKHSA believes is a single outbreak.
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Most cases have been in young adults, but the bacteria has been confirmed in children as young as two years old and elderly people up to 79 years old.
The UKHSA says it is working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland and devolved public health authorities to investigate the outbreak.
As a result of the evidence gathered so far, the FSA has issued several product recall notices.
On Monday (June 17) THIS! recalled the chicken and bacon wrap sold only at WH Smith.
Three days earlier, two sandwich makers that supply UK supermarkets – Greencore and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood – recalled products sold in Boots, Asda, Tesco, Co-op, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, OneStop and Amazon.
All recall notices were described as “precautionary measures”.
Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents at the FSA, 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 lettuce products. which are used in sandwiches, wraps, mats and rolls. After a thorough analysis of the food chain, these products are withdrawn from the market as a precaution.
“Infections caused by STEC bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhea and, in some cases, more serious complications. We therefore advise all consumers who have any of these products not to eat them.
“The FSA is here to make sure food is safe. If there are products on the market that are not, we will not hesitate to take action to remove them.”
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The UKHSA says 147 confirmed cases have been in England, 35 in Scotland and 27 in Wales. All confirmed cases so far had sample dates before May 31, but genome sequencing is ongoing to find additional cases that may be linked to the outbreak.
E.Coli – short for Escherichia coli – is a bacteria commonly found in lower interesting. Most strains of E.coli are harmless, but some can cause serious food poisoning.
The current outbreak is caused by Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec), a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illness.
Trish Mannes, director of incidents at UKHSA, said: “Symptoms of STEC infections include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.
“If you are unwell, have recently eaten lettuce and are concerned about any symptoms, follow NHS guidance on when to seek help and what steps you can take to prevent further spread to family and friends.
“While diarrhea and vomiting can have a number of causes, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and the risk of infecting others. Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces will help stop further spread of infection.
“If you are unwell with diarrhea and vomiting, you should not prepare food for others when you are unwell and avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes to prevent the transmission of infection in these environments. Do not return to work, school or nursery early than in 48 hours.” after your symptoms stop.”
Full lists of the sandwiches recalled from each company are available on the Food Standards Scotland website.