Dozens of Brits fall ill after E. coli outbreak linked to four Christmas hamper cheeses – are you at risk?
BRITS have been warned to check the cheeses in their Christmas hampers over fears they could be contaminated by E. coli bacteria.
At least 30 people have fallen ill in the outbreak linked to artisan dairy, despite the products being urgently recalled.
Health chiefs warned Brits not to eat four Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheeses, which were pulled from shelves on Christmas Eve after it emerged they may be contaminated with a specific type of E.coli bacteria called Shiga toxin producing E. coli.
Also known as STEC, this pathogen can cause food poisoning and trigger symptoms such as severe diarrhoea that may have blood in it and tummy pain.
In some cases, the bacterial strain can cause haemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and may be fatal, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned in with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Food Standards Scotland (FSS).
Amy Douglas, incident director for Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division at UKHSA, said: “There have been at least 30 confirmed cases of this specific outbreak strain of STEC in the UK.
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“Symptoms of STEC include severe diarrhoea - including bloody diarrhoea - stomach cramps, vomiting and fever."
The four cheeses suspected of bacterial contamination are:
- Mrs Kirkham’s Mild & Creamy Lancashire
- Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire
- Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire
- Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire
But in posted to the company website, Mrs Kirkhams's said it would be recalling all products purchased between October 1 and December 24, 2023.
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"This is a precautionary measure," the cheese-maker stressed.
"Whilst at this time, there has been no testing carried out on our products by the FSA to confirm any suspected risks, we feel it is our duty to recall our products.
"We are working very closely with our local Environmental Health Officers and the Food Standards Agency to fully understand the situation, and whether our products have been correctly implicated.
"We are now unfortunately in a state of limbo until testing laboratories reopen and resume testing.
"As soon as they do, together with the FSA we will investigate further."
The UKHSA and FSA warned that the cheeses might have sold as part of festive hampers, so it may not always be clear if you've purchased contaminated products.
Tina Potter, the FSA's head of incidents said: “We are aware that this recalled product may be popular over the festive period, especially as it has been sold as part of a Christmas gift hamper and so we are urging consumers to check whether they have bought or been gifted this product."
She urged Brits not to eat the cheeses if they've bought them and to return them for a full refund.
It's also important to check the dairy is thoroughly wrapped and hasn't come into contact with any other foods, as these also might be contaminated with the bacteria.
If you have one of the four cheeses in your home, wash your hands and any equipment, utensils and surfaces that may have come into contact them thoroughly.
"We are also asking people to share this advice with friends and family who may have either purchased the recalled product or have received it as a gift," Ms Potter added.
What should I do if I have an STEC infection?
You can get an STEC infection from eating contaminated food or water, but it's also possible for you to get it through "close contact with an infected person", the FSA and UKHSA warned.
It is therefore not uncommon for this infection to spread from an infected person to other people living in the same household or in settings such as nurseries, the notice added.
Ms Douglas advised: "If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends over the festive period.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading.
"Don’t prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop."
She also asked Brits to take precautions when travelling this holiday season, as well as when work and school starts back up in January.
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“Many of us will be travelling for Christmas, but if you are unwell you should avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings," she added.
"Do not return to work or school once term restarts, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.”