Major supermarkets including Aldi, Asda, Co-op and Morrisons are recalling several types of pre-packed sandwiches, wraps and salads due to potential contamination with E. coli. At least 211 people are known to be affected by the bacteria, an increase from 113 last week, and at least 67 people have been admitted to hospital. Although E. coli has not been detected in the products, precautions are being taken as the items contain salad leaves, which have been linked to the outbreak.
One of the suppliers involved, Greencore Group, has recalled 45 different products. Other manufacturers are preparing separate recalls as well. Affected products include an Aldi chicken fajita triple wrap, Amazon BLT sandwich, Asda smoky beans and cheddar cheese wrap, Asda chicken salad sandwich, Boots chicken salad sandwich and an Amazon prawn layered salad.
The Food Standards Agency has been working closely with the relevant businesses and local authorities to determine the cause of the outbreak which was previously linked to widely available food. Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the agency, stated that the investigation is complex but has been effective in restricting consumption to a small number of salad leaf products that have been used in sandwiches and wraps. He also noted that E. coli STEC bacteria can cause severe bloody diarrhoea and, in some cases, more serious complications.
Retailers have promptly taken action to remove affected products from sale and will work with the Food Standards Agency to minimise risk to customers. The full list of Greencore products that may have been contaminated can be found online. E. coli bacteria normally live in the human and animal intestines. Although some types are harmless, others can cause severe illness, such as E.coli STEC O145, which is present in this outbreak and produces a Shiga toxin that attacks the lining of the gut. Symptoms include stomach cramps, fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea that can be bloody. While many people recover without medical attention, others can experience serious complications, like haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which can damage the kidneys. As there is no specific treatment for E.coli infections, people who believe they have been infected should seek medical attention, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid preparing food for others
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