A third company has initiated a recall due to fears of possible E.coli contamination – with customers being urged to avoid eating a specific product.
Vegan chicken and bacon wraps only sold at WHSmith have been pulled from shelves and anyone who purchased them can return to the store for a full refund.
ESTE – the food manufacturer that makes it – said the recall applies to all wraps purchased up to and including Tuesday, June 18.
Although no E.coli was found in the product, the company explained that this is a “precautionary measure” in case the ingredients are contaminated.
Health authorities have been working to trace the source of the current E.coli outbreak, as this specific strain can make people very sick.
The latest figures show that 211 cases had been confirmed as of June 11 – and at least 67 people required hospital treatment.
Last week, two other manufacturers recalled a range of sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major British supermarkets.
You can find a list of products affected by this recall here.
Dozens of products were recalled last week
Greencore Group says it “adheres to the highest food safety standards”, adding: “We are working closely with the Food Standards Agency and our suppliers to better understand the possible origin of any potential issues.”
Samworth Brothers Manton Wood explained that the supplier of a salad ingredient that it uses in a small number of products has been advised to recall and recall the product.
“A small number of sandwich lines and packaging manufactured at our Manton Wood site are being recalled as a precautionary measure to ensure a high level of health protection for consumers. No other Manton Wood products are affected,” a spokesperson added.
E.coli bacteria are normally harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals – but this strain is known as Shiga toxin-producing E.coli, or STEC for short.
Which? head of consumer protection policy Sue Davies told Sky News: “The FSA and the UK Health Security Agency must find out how this widespread outbreak happened and take all necessary action to stop more people falling ill. This shows how we can never afford to be complacent about our food security and eating standards.”
Read more: What are the warning signs of infection?
Dozens of products recalled due to E. coli risk
Trish Mannes of the UK’s Health Security Agency says symptoms can include “severe and sometimes bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.”
Some cases cause serious complications that can lead to kidney failure.
People are being advised to follow NHS.uk guidance if they feel unwell.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces will help prevent any spread of infection,” Mannes added.
People who may be infected should also not prepare food for others and avoid work or school until 48 hours after symptoms disappear.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
