The number of people sick in an E. coli outbreak linked to salad leaves has exceeded 250. There have been 256 confirmed patients in the Shiga toxin-producing E.
coli (STEC) O145 outbreak since late May. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, and Public Health Wales are investigating the rise in infections. In total, 168 people are sick in England, 29 in Wales and 56 in Scotland.
Northern Ireland has three cases, who likely acquired their infections in England. Patients have been recorded in most age groups, with the majority being young adults. Based on information from 227 cases to date, at least 86 people have been admitted to hospitals.
Link to salad in sandwiches Pre-packed sandwiches containing lettuce are the likely source of the outbreak. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have published precautionary recall notices covering a range of products potentially contaminated with E. coli.
Samworth Brothers and Greencore Group recalled a range of products sold at a variety of retailers, such as Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Boots, Co-op, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s. Darren Whitby, head of incidents at FSA, said the agency is working with relevant businesses and local authorities on the investigation. “Several sandwich manufacturers have now taken precautionary action to withdraw and recall various sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls, as food chain and epidemiological links have enabled us to narrow down a wide range of foods consum.