The Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced a recall for four types of cheese on Christmas Eve due to a possible E. coli contamination ahead of Christmas Day. The cheeses recalled were Mrs Kirkham’s Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire, and Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire. The FSA stated that the products might be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and may include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick, and diarrhoea. In rare cases, the infection can lead to serious complications such as meningitis.
Recommendations from the FSA included storing the product safely, fully wrapped, and ensuring it is not in contact with other foods. The product can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund, with point of sale notices displayed to explain the recall.
The FSA also advised people to wash their hands, equipment, utensils, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the product thoroughly. GP Dr. Babak Ashrafi from Asda Online Doctor recommended using common sense when storing Christmas food. He emphasized the importance of refrigerating and properly storing any leftovers, as certain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli thrive on meat and can lead to foodborne illnesses. In very serious cases, food contaminated with these bacteria may require medical treatment.