Thirty Britons are sickened by an E. coli outbreak linked to artisanal cheese.
Four varieties of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese have been urgently recalled and given a ‘do not eat’ warning amid contamination fears.
Food safety officials warn that the affected cheeses may have been unknowingly donated in baskets.
Most strains of E. coli are harmless, although the strain feared to be in Mrs. Kirkham’s cheese can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach cramps.
In extremely severe cases, E. coli known to produce Shiga toxin can lead to kidney failure.
Four varieties of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese have been urgently recalled and given a ‘do not eat’ warning amid contamination fears. Pictured: A general shot of the Lancashire cheesemaker’s website
The joint warning from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) only applies to Mrs Kirkham’s Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Lekker Lancashire, Mature Lancashire and Smoked Lancashire varieties.
However, the raw milk cheesemaker, based in a village just outside Preston, said it had now “taken the difficult decision to recall all our products” bought between October 1 and December 24.
Tina Potter, incident manager and the Food Standards Agency, said: “We are aware that this recalled product could be popular over the festive period, particularly as it was sold as part of a Christmas package.”
“We are therefore appealing to consumers to check whether they bought this product or received it as a gift.”
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) chiefs have announced that 30 confirmed cases have been recorded in this outbreak.
They all tested positive for a specific strain called 0145, which is feared to lurk in the cheese.
STEC, or Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, is spread by eating contaminated foods such as raw leafy vegetables or undercooked meat.
The highly contagious bacteria can also be transmitted by touching infected animals or their faeces, as well as by contact with other sick people.
UKHSA bosses said people needed to take extra care to avoid becoming infected and, if infected with the virus, passing it on to others.
Amy Douglas, UKHSA incident director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety, said: “There are at least 30 confirmed cases of this particular STEC outbreak in the UK.”
“If you have diarrhea and vomiting, there are steps you can take to prevent it from spreading to family and friends during the holidays.”
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces can help prevent the spread of infection.” Do not prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared.
Symptoms range from mild to bloody diarrhoea, says the British health authority. Vomiting, fever and stomach cramps are other obvious symptoms. However, in severe cases, the pathogen can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure.
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No matter how carefully you try to shop for Christmas, there will inevitably be an abundance of goodies that go uneaten
She added: “Many of us will be traveling at Christmas, but if you feel unwell you should avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing the infection on in these settings.”
“Once the semester begins, do not return to work or school until 48 hours after your symptoms have subsided.”
It comes after the FSA first issued a “precautionary” recall warning for the products on Christmas Eve.
The FSA also said there could be further recalls of other products as investigations continue.
Ms Kirkham said: “We are working very closely with our local environmental health officers and the FSA to fully understand the situation and determine whether our products have been sourced appropriately.”
“This recall involves new testing techniques designed to better identify potentially dangerous strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.”
“Unfortunately, these new testing techniques do not currently meet industry standards.”
The statement also said the company is in limbo as many labs are currently closed for the holidays.
“We will suspend all orders until the investigation is complete and we have answers.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
