Some of the UK’s leading food-to-go suppliers have recalled a range of products due to possible contamination with E.coli.
Dozens of different sandwich types sold in supermarkets and convenience stores have been withdrawn from sale as a precautionary step following a spike in cases, although E. coli has not been detected in any of the products.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland and UK Health Security Agency have been using whole genome sequence analysis to help identify foods commonly consumed by those affected. Although the precise cause of the outbreak is not yet known, the authorities have narrowed down the search to a small number of salad leaf products that have been used in sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls. The FSA said that following thorough food chain analysis, these products are being recalled as a precaution.
Greencore Group has recalled various sandwiches, wraps and salads from Aldi, Amazon, Asda, Boots, Co-op, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, while Samworth Brothers Manton Wood is taking the precautionary step of recalling various Tesco and One Stop sandwiches and wraps.
Vegan supplier THIS! has recalled a Chicken and Bacon wrap supplied to WH Smith because of possible contamination with E. coli.
Caterers are being advised to wash lettuce or salad ingredients thoroughly before using them in salads or sandwiches.
According to the latest figures, 211 people are confirmed to have been infected with E. coli bacteria and at least 67 people have required hospital treatment. All the cases involve shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), a strain that can cause severe foodborne disease with symptoms including severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.
