The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) has urged consumers to be cautious about products made by Mrs Kirkham’s, a cheese manufacturer based in Lancashire, due to concerns about contamination by Shiga toxin-producing E coli (STEC). Customers who have purchased Creamy Lancashire, Tasty Lancashire, Mature Lancashire, or Smoked Lancashire cheeses have been advised to check if they are on the recall list. In some cases, the products may have been included in gift hampers or charcutier grazing platters. Anyone who has bought one of the affected items should not consume it and should ensure it is completely wrapped to prevent contamination of other items.
Symptoms associated with STEC poisoning can occasionally include more serious illnesses, such as meningitis. While Mrs Kirkham’s cheeses are available in a number of outlets, including Waitrose, Booths and smaller shops, the company has confirmed that it has ceased production for the present. Affected customers are being invited to claim a refund.
As with other foodstuffs, anyone handling or consuming Mrs Kirkham’s products should take care to wash their hands and other equipment thoroughly to prevent the spread of contamination. In addition, the FSA is keen to highlight that people should be vigilant when selecting food items that may contain or be contaminated by E coli. Meat and dairy products, such as unpasteurised milk, are among some of the most common sources of the bacteria.
A spokesperson for Mrs Kirkham’s explained that the company was “deeply disappointed” that some of its items had been placed on the recall list. No complaints regarding the cheese’s quality have been recorded. Mrs Kirkham’s has pledged to work closely with the FSA to rectify the situation and ensure that all necessary safety measures are put in place to prevent future recalls
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