A British man has died in an E. coli outbreak linked to artificial cheese.
At least thirty people have become ill with a rare variant of the diarrhea bacterium.
Health officials suspect a dairy farm near Preston is the cause of the outbreak.
Since then, safety officials have urged the public not to eat four varieties of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese, which is made from raw cow’s milk.
Another type, issued with the same warning and recalled and produced by the same farm, is sold in Waitrose.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), some Britons may have been unknowingly gifted the cheeses in festive hampers and charcuterie plates. In some cases, the affected products are sold as complete blocks or individual portions.
Since then, safety officials have urged the public not to eat four varieties of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese, which is made from raw cow’s milk.
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.
Health authorities are still investigating the outbreak to determine if other causes may be at play.
MailOnline understands the death – whose age has not been disclosed – was reported in Scotland.
According to the British health authority UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a seven-year-old child is among the dozens of sick people. The oldest was 81.
They all tested positive for a specific type of E. coli called 0145, with tests indicating that the strain was more serious than the standard variants.
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.
Waitrose & Partners No. 1 Lancashire cheese sold in 200g packets. It comes after four varieties of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese were urgently recalled and given a ‘do not eat’ warning due to contamination fears
Symptoms range from mild to bloody diarrhoea, says the UKHSA. Vomiting, fever and stomach cramps are other obvious symptoms.
But in up to 15 percent of cases, the pathogen can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure.
Children under the age of five are most affected by HUS.
However, it can also affect other vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
UKHSA bosses said people should take extra care to avoid infection and possible transmission 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 infections.”
“Do not prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.”
Ms Kirkham originally remembered four cheeses: Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Lekker Lancashire, Mature Lancashire and Smoked Lancashire.
The Goosnargh town-based manufacturer, which claims to be the last remaining Lancashire cheesemaker in the world, has since recalled all its products as a precaution.
Yesterday, Waitrose also recalled its number one product Farmhouse Kirkham’s Lancashire, made by the same family business founded in the late 1970s.
The FSA issued its first precautionary recall warning for the four Mrs. products on Christmas Eve. Kirkham.
The FSA warned at the time that further recalls of other products could take place 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,” it said.
Tina Potter, head of claims and the FSA, said: “We recognize that this recalled product could be popular over the festive period, particularly as it was sold as part of a Christmas gift pack.”
“We are therefore appealing to consumers to check whether they bought this product or received it as a gift.”
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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.
