Scottish death linked to E.coli outbreak

A Scottish person has died after an outbreak of E.coli.

On Christmas Eve, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced a precautionary recall of four products from Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese because of possible contamination, and a fifth product was added three days later.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there had been 30 confirmed cases of ga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec) recorded since late July, and are continuing to investigate any common links between cases, including links to the recalled cheeses.

It said: “One death has been associated with this outbreak.

"Epidemiological and food chain investigations have identified links between some of the identified cases and a number of unpasteurised cheeses produced by a business in England."

Symptoms

The public are being warned symptoms of Stec include severe diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), abdominal pain, and occasionally haemolytic uremic syndrome – a serious condition which can lead to kidney failure and could be fatal.

Head of incidents at the FSA, Tina Potter, is calling for people to check whether they have any of the recalled products in their homes.

She 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.

Customers urged to follow advice

"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."

The recalled products are Mrs Kirkham's Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham's Tasty Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham's Mature Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham's Smoked Lancashire, and No 1 Waitrose and Partners Farmhouse Kirkham's Lancashire cheese.

A spokesperson for Public Health Scotland (PHS) said: “PHS can confirm there has been one death associated with E.coli O145 in Scotland.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation in Scotland and are working with UKHSA, who are investigating at a UK-wide level."

Stuart McAdam, Head of Incidents at Food Standards Scotland said:

“This is an ongoing multi-agency investigation across the UK and we are aware that this recalled product may be popular over the festive period, especially as it has also been sold as part of a Christmas gift hamper and so we are urging consumers to check whether they have this product or may have gifted it to others.

“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. This is especially important for those who are vulnerable – including people who are pregnant and those with weakened immune systems.

“We are also asking people to make sure that family and friends who may have either purchased the recalled product or have received it as a gift, are aware and observe the advice.” 

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