Dozens of varieties of sandwiches have been recalled from stores after more than 200 cases of E.coli linked to a single outbreak were discovered in Britain.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as of Tuesday, June 11, there have been 211 confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) across the country.
At least 67 people have been hospitalized so far as a result of what the UKHSA says is a single outbreak.
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Most cases occurred in young adults, but the bacteria has been confirmed in children as young as two years old and in elderly people up to 79 years of age.
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 to date, FSA has issued several product recall notices.
On Monday (June 17) THIS! remembered a chicken and bacon wrap only sold at WH Smith.
Three days earlier, two sandwich makers that supply British supermarkets – Greencore and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood – recalled products sold in Boots, Asda, Tesco, Co-op, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, OneStop and Amazon.
All recalls have been described as a “precautionary measure”.
Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents at the FSA, 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 lettuce leaf products. which are used in sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls. After a thorough analysis of the food chain, these products are being recalled as a precaution.
“Infections caused by STEC bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhea and in some cases more serious complications. We advise consumers who have one of these products at home not to eat them.
“The FSA is here to ensure 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 of the confirmed cases have been in England, 35 in Scotland and 27 in Wales. For all confirmed cases so far, the sampling date was before May 31, but genome sequencing is ongoing to find other cases that may be linked to the outbreak.
E.Coli – short for Escherichia coli – is a bacterium that is common in the underworld. Most E.coli strains are harmless, but some can cause serious food poisoning.
The current outbreak involves Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec), a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness.
Trish Mannes, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “Symptoms of infections with STEC include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.
“If you are feeling unwell, have recently eaten lettuce leaves and are concerned about any symptoms, follow the NHS guidance on when to seek help and the steps you can take to prevent further spread to family and friends.
“While diarrhea and vomiting can have a variety 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 can help prevent further spread of the infection.
“If you are feeling unwell with diarrhea and vomiting, you should not prepare food for others while you are unwell and you should avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings. Return to work, school or daycare after 48 hours after your symptoms have disappeared.”
The full list of recalled sandwiches from each company is available on the Food Standards Scotland website.