One dead in E.Coli outbreak linked to contaminated cheese - as 4 Mrs Kirkham's products are recalled

One person has died following an outbreak of E.coli, health officials have said.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said 30 confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec) have been recorded across England and Scotland since late July in people aged seven to 81.

The agency added that one person from Scotland with the infection has now died.

Eleven people have been hospitalised, with 63 per cent reporting bloody diarrhoea and one person developing HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome), a rare but serious disease that affects the kidneys.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced a precautionary recall of four products from cheesemaker Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese on Christmas Eve because of possible E.coli contamination and added a fifth product on December 27.

The UKHSA said investigations are continuing into 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.”

The UKHSA, FSA, Public Health Scotland and Food Standards Scotland are working together with other partner agencies to investigate the outbreak.

Product details

The recalled cheeses 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.

The agencies said the products might be contaminated with Stec.

The cheeses are sometimes sold as a full block or served as individual portions, it may have been provided as part of a hamper you've purchased or been gifted. In some cases it’s been sold as part of a charcutier grazing platter.

Check what you have got

Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency 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.”   

Symptoms and what to do if you're ill

Amy Douglas, Incident Director for Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division at UKHSA, 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. 

“Many of us will be travelling for Christmas, but if you are unwell you should avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings. Do not return to work or school once term restarts, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.” 

Action taken by the company

Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese Ltd is recalling the affected products. Point of sale notices will be displayed where the products were sold. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.

Food Standards Agency advice to consumers

If you have bought the above product do not eat it. Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund. Ensure the products is thoroughly wrapped and does not come into contact with any other foods. Wash your hands, equipment, utensils and surfaces that may have come into contact with the product thoroughly.