Urgent health warning after E.coli outbreak linked to ‘nationally distributed food item’

An urgent health warning has been issued after an E.coli outbreak was linked to a “nationally distributed food item”.

An unspecified number of people are being treated in hospital due to the outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.

The UKHSA said testing indicates that most of the 113 cases reported in the UK are “part of a single outbreak” but did not give more details about the “food item” thought to be responsible.

The cases range in age from two years old to 79, with the majority of the infections in young adults.

The cases breakdown as:

• 81 in England
• 18 in Wales
• 13 in Scotland
• 1 in Northern Ireland (for this case, evidence suggests that they acquired their infection while visiting England)

In a statement, the agency said: “Based on the wide geographic spread of cases, it is most likely that this outbreak is linked to a nationally distributed food item or multiple food items.”

Infections can cause severe bloody diarrhoea and, in some cases, more serious complications.

It is often transmitted by eating contaminated food but can also be spread by close contact with an infected person, as well as direct contact with an infected animal or its environment.

Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents and Resilience at the FSA, said: “The Food Standards Agency is working with UKHSA and relevant Public Health bodies to identify the source of the illness, which is likely to be linked to one or more food items.

“We always advise consumers and those looking after vulnerable people to ensure good hygiene practices are followed when handling and preparing food, regularly washing hands with soap and warm water and ensuring equipment, utensils and surfaces foods come into contact with are cleaned thoroughly to prevent cross contamination.

“You should not prepare food for others if you have had symptoms, or for 48 hours after symptoms stop.”

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