Man, 66, left with ‘severe brain injury’ after catching E. coli from recalled £4.99 sandwich

A MAN was left with a serious neurological problem after contracting E. coli from a recalled £4.99 sandwich.

John Daniels, 66, suffered severe diarrhea and was bloody for two days after eating Boots’ chicken and bacon Caesar wrap.

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The certified inspector was taken to the hospital on May 19 and was diagnosed with E. coli the next day.

He was discharged on May 22, but five days later he returned to the hospital because he felt dizzy and weak and was unable to walk without assistance.

He was then diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome – a serious illness affecting the nervous system – as a result of the E. coli infection.

A few weeks later, he lost around half a kilo of weight and continues to be monitored by medical teams.

John, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, said: “The past month has been nothing short of traumatic.”

He has now instructed lawyers to investigate the disease after hundreds of people were affected by an outbreak of the disease.

I’m still not well physically and I don’t know if I ever will be.

John Daniels

NATIONAL OUTBREAK

At least 60 types of pre-packaged sandwiches, wraps and salads have been recalled as a result of the outbreak.

So far, it has been confirmed that 211 people have been infected by E. coli bacteria and at least 67 people have required hospital treatment.

The majority of cases – 147 – were reported in England, but 35 were detected in Scotland, 27 in Wales and two in Northern Ireland, although evidence suggests that these last two infections were detected during a visit to England.

All of the cases were caused by a strain of bacteria called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O145 (STEC), which can leave patients with severe and sometimes bloody diarrhea, stomach pain and fever.

‘IT WENT FROM BAD TO WORST’

“I’ve never been this unwell before, so I knew something was very wrong, but finding out I had E. coli and then Guillain-Barre Syndrome was a huge shock,” John said.

“My condition went from bad to worse as I developed complication after complication.

“I’m still not well physically and I don’t know if I ever will be, and hearing how many other people have been affected is deeply upsetting.

“I just hope something can be done to stop this from happening to anyone else.”

Food manufacturer THIS! recalled its vegan ‘chicken and bacon’ wrap due to fears of E. coli contamination.

He urged people who bought one from WHSmith before June 18 not to eat it.

The move came after Greencore Group and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood recalled at least 60 pre-packaged products.

The Food Standards Agency says it is “confident” lettuce leaves are the source of the outbreak.

Retailers involved include Aldi, Asda, Boots, Co-op and Morrisons.

Sarita Sharma, specialist public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “What John has suffered over the last few weeks is very worrying, and he is understandably upset and distressed by what he has experienced as a result of the E. coli infection.

“To hear that more than 200 people have also been affected is truly shocking.

“AND. coli is a bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, leading to gastric symptoms, and in some cases, like John’s, can lead to other serious health problems.

“The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now investigating and has found that John’s illness likely came from the recalled sandwich.

“It is now vital, where applicable, that lessons are learned in the future to keep consumers safe.”

A Boots spokesperson said: “In response to the Greencore product recall on 14 June 2024, Boots has taken the precautionary step of recalling a number of its sandwiches and wraps.

“There have been no positive STEC E. coli results in any of the testing of our products carried out by the Food Standards Agency.”

How can I avoid getting sick with E. coli?

Trish Mannes, UKHSA Incident Director, said: “Symptoms of STEC infections include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.

“If you are unwell, have recently eaten salad leaves and are worried about any symptoms, follow the NHS.uk guidance on when to seek help and steps you can take to avoid spreading it to family and friends.

“While diarrhea and vomiting can have a number of causes, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and the risk of infecting others.”

She advised you:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water
• Use disinfectants to clean surfaces and help prevent any spread of infection
• Do not prepare food for other people if you are unwell, have diarrhea and vomiting
• Avoid visiting people in hospitals or nursing homes to avoid transmitting the infection in these settings
• Do not return to work, school or daycare until 48 hours after symptoms disappear