Death reported after recall of cheese due to E. coli outbreak

An individual in Scotland has passed away from E. coli after an outbreak of the bacterial infection in the UK, which has been linked to cheese. Health experts had previously cautioned that certain products from the Mrs Kirkham's range might be contaminated and should be recalled as a precaution. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed as food-related, and investigations are ongoing to identify any common links between cases and the recalled cheeses. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported 30 confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) since late July, affecting individuals between the ages of seven and 81, some of whom required hospitalization. Symptoms of STEC infection range from mild diarrhea to severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. In some cases, the infection can lead to a serious and life-threatening condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and UKHSA have advised the public against consuming certain cheeses and highlighted that STEC infection can be transmitted through various routes besides contaminated food, including direct contact with infected animals or individuals. Amy Douglas, the incident director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of taking necessary precautions such as handwashing and surface sanitation to prevent the spread of infection. She also urged individuals experiencing symptoms to refrain from preparing food for others or visiting hospitals and care homes. Stuart McAdam, head of incidents at Food Standards Scotland, encouraged consumers, particularly pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, to check whether they possess the recalled product or may have gifted it to others and to follow the advice in the product recall notices.