- Author, Smitha Mundasad
- Role, BBC News health reporter
- Twitter,
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Food manufacturers are recalling at least 60 types of pre-packaged sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major supermarkets due to possible E. coli contamination.
No E. coli bacteria have been found in the products, but they are being recalled as a precaution. It is clear that these are items that contain lettuce leaves.
Affected retailers include Aldi, Asda, Co-op and Morrisons.
Around 211 people in Britain are currently known to be affected by E. coli – up from 113 last week.
At least 67 people have been hospitalized, Britain’s Health Security Agency said.
Experts had previously said an ongoing outbreak of E. coli was linked to foods that were widely and easily available, but no specific items had been recorded.
These include an Aldi chicken fajita triple wrap, Asda smoky bean and cheddar cheese wrap, Boots chicken salad sandwich, Sainsbury’s Greek style wrap, Co-op ham and cheese wrap, Morrisons gluten-free sandwich platter and an Amazon prawn layered salad.
These include a Tesco chicken salad sandwich, Tesco tuna crunch sub and Tesco spicy bean wrap.
A third manufacturer is expected to announce a recall as soon as Saturday.
Darren Whitby, incident director at the Food Standards Agency, said: “This is a complex investigation and we have worked quickly with the relevant companies and local authorities involved to limit the wide range of foods consumed to a small number of salads. leaf products that are used in sandwiches and wraps.”
He added: “Infections caused by [E. coli] STEC bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhea and in some cases more serious complications.
“We therefore advise consumers who have these products at home not to eat them.”
Andrew Opie of the British Retail Consortium said: “Affected retailers are taking swift action to withdraw these products from sale and are working closely with the Food Standards Agency to take any further action necessary to minimize the risk to their customers to limit.”
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 is a diverse group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals.
Some species 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 a Shiga toxin, which can damage the lining of the intestines.
Symptoms may include diarrhea that may be bloody, stomach cramps, fever and vomiting.
It usually takes a few days of becoming infected for symptoms to manifest.
Most people recover well, but some – such as young children or people with underlying health conditions – can become very ill.
There is no specific treatment for E. coli infections. People who are infected can usually be cared for at home and most will get better without medical treatment.
It is important to drink enough fluids because 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 they have any concerns.
There are things people can do to reduce the risk of infection.
Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap; alcohol gels do not kill all insects that cause diarrhea.
Wash fruits and vegetables and cook food at recommended temperatures.
If you have symptoms, you should not prepare food for others and you should avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes.
People should not return to work, school or daycare until 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared.