A person from Scotland has died as a result of an ongoing E.coli outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.
News of the death follows warnings from the UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) regarding four Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheeses.
30 cases of E.coli have been confirmed in the outbreak so far.
The cheeses may be contaminated with a specific type of E.coli bacteria called Shiga toxin producing E. coli, also known as STEC or VTEC, which can cause food poisoning.
The cheeses are sometimes served as part of a hamper, as individual portions or can be purchased as a gift set or block, so the FSA warned that it may not always be clear whether you have purchased an affected product.
The four recalled cheeses are:
- Mrs Kirkham’s Mild & Creamy Lancashire;
- Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire;
- Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire;
- Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire.
UKHSA incident director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety division, Amy Douglas, said: “There have been at least 30 confirmed cases of this specific outbreak strain of STEC in the UK.
“Symptoms of STEC include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. 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.”
Douglas urged those travelling for Christmas to avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes if they are feeling unwell to avoid passing on the infection.
“Do not return to work or school once term restarts, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped,” she advised.
Head of incidents at the FSA, Tina Potter, 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.
“Due to this outbreak of E. coli O145 we are urging all consumers to ensure they follow the advice in the product recall notices, which details all of the products which may pose a risk.
“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.”
