The number of cases of E. coli infection linked to salad leaves has surpassed 250.
Since late May, 256 cases of infection with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O145 have been confirmed.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland and Public Health Wales are investigating the rise in infections.
A total of 168 cases are in England, 29 in Wales and 56 in Scotland. There are three cases in Northern Ireland who are likely to have contracted the virus in England. Cases have been confirmed across most age groups, with the majority being young adults.
Of the 227 cases known to date, at least 86 people have been hospitalized.
Link to Sandwich Salad
Prepackaged sandwiches containing lettuce are the likely source of infection.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have issued a precautionary recall notice covering a range of products which may be contaminated with E. coli.
Samworth Brothers and Greencore Group have recalled a range of products sold across a range of retailers, including Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Boots, Co-op, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.
FSA incident director Darren Whitby said the agency was working with the companies involved and local authorities on the investigation.
“Food chain and epidemiological links have allowed us to narrow down the broad range of foods consumed to the small amount of salad leaves used in these products, which is why several sandwich manufacturers are now taking precautionary measures by removing and recalling a range of sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls,” he said.
“While we are confident that the small number of salad leaves we identified early on through extensive food chain analysis are the source of this outbreak, we continue to work with growers, suppliers and manufacturers to identify the root cause of the outbreak so that steps can be taken to prevent a recurrence. We will remain vigilant and open-minded about the possible source of the outbreak until the root cause of the outbreak is confirmed.”
Legal action
Food safety experts at law firm Leigh Day have urged anyone affected by E. coli in food and needing guidance to get in touch.
A certified inspector who was diagnosed with E. coli infection after eating a recalled sandwich hired lawyers from Irwin Mitchell to investigate the illness.
John Daniels, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, bought a chicken and bacon Caesar wrap from a branch of Manchester Boots on May 11. Within two days, Daniels began feeling unwell and complaining of stomach pains, as well as severe diarrhoea and bloody stools.
Daniels was admitted to hospital on May 19. She was diagnosed with E. coli infection the next day and released on May 22. Five days later, she returned to the hospital and was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
“We are extremely concerned by the suffering that John has been going through over the past few weeks and are understandably upset and distressed by what he has experienced as a result of his E. coli infection,” said public health lawyer Sarita Sharma of the law firm Irwin Mitchell.
“UKHSA is currently investigating and has determined that John’s illness was likely caused by the recalled sandwich. Going forward, it is vital that lessons are learned, where applicable, to keep consumers safe.”
Ms Daniels said: “The last month has been absolutely traumatic. I knew something was wrong as I had never been this sick before but it was a shock to be told I had E. coli and then Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Complications continued to arise and my condition continued to worsen. I am still not feeling well and don’t know when I will get better. It is devastating to hear that so many other people have been affected.”
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