Mystery E.coli outbreak that struck down 113 and hospitalised 37 was likely caused by 'ready to eat' item with dairy element, expert says By Mary O'connor Published: 22:01, 9 June 2024 | Updated: 22:01, 9 June 2024 e-mail View comments The mystery food behind an outbreak of E.coli is more likely to be a 'ready to eat' item rather than something which is cooked, a top scientist has suggested.

Hugh Pennington, emeritus professor of bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, said historically, there have been a large range of foods associated with the rare Shiga toxigenic (STEC) bug. But he believes it is 'very likely' to be a 'ready-to-eat product possibly with a dairy origin'. Health officials are racing to identify the source of the STEC infection which has struck down 113 people, mostly young adults, between May 25 and June 4, with more cases expected.

At least 37 people have required hospital treatment. The mystery food behind an outbreak of E.coli is more likely to be a 'ready to eat' item rather than something which is cooked, a top scientist has suggested (stock image) Of the 113 cases - which range in age from two to 79 - 81 were in England, 18 in Wales and 13 in Scotland.

There has been one case recorded in Northern Ireland , but officials think the person was infected in England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it believes the wave of cases stem from a 'nationally distributed food item' or 'multiple food items'. Professor Pennington told the Mail on Sunday.