An individual in Scotland died after consuming cheese produced in Lancashire which was contaminated with a particular kind of E.coli micro organism.
An pressing recall was made by the Meals Requirements Company (FSA) of 4 sorts of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese, produced in Preston.
They have been recalled as a precaution, the FSA stated, as they might be contaminated with Shiga toxin producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC, a pathogen that causes meals poisoning.
The 4 cheeses are: Mrs Kirkham’s Delicate & Creamy Lancashire; Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire; Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire; Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire.
The UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) stated at the least 30 reported circumstances have been of the “particular outbreak pressure” thought to have been within the cheese.
Signs attributable to STEC embody extreme diarrhoea, belly ache, and typically haemolytic uremic syndrome, (HUS), a critical situation that may result in kidney failure and might be deadly.
This an infection might be unfold by many various routes, together with the consumption of contaminated meals or water.
It’s due to this fact not unusual for this an infection to unfold from an contaminated individual to different individuals dwelling in the identical family or in settings equivalent to nurseries.
Mrs Kirkham’s cheeses are typically served as a part of a hamper, as particular person parts or as a present set or block.
Tina Potter, head of incidents on the FSA stated: “We’re conscious that this recalled product could also be in style over the festive interval, particularly because it has been offered as a part of a Christmas present hamper.
“As a result of this outbreak of E. coli we’re urging all customers to make sure they observe the recommendation within the product recall notices, which particulars the entire merchandise which can pose a danger:
“We’re additionally asking individuals to share this recommendation with family and friends who might have both bought the recalled product or have acquired it as a present.”
Amy Douglas, who works at UKHSA, added: “Washing your arms with cleaning soap and heat water and utilizing bleach-based merchandise to wash surfaces will assist cease infections from spreading.
“Don’t put together meals for others when you have signs or for 48 hours after signs cease.”
