Image caption, The recalled products are only sold in WH Smith Article information Author, James Gregory & Emily McGarvey Role, BBC News 17 June 2024, 06:46 BST
Updated 21 minutes ago
A third food manufacturer also recalled products due to concerns about E. coli contamination.
Manufacturer THIS! is recalling its plant-based chicken and bacon wraps, which are sold exclusively in WH Smith.
The announcement comes just days after two suppliers, Greencore Group and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood, announced recalls of at least 60 prepackaged sandwiches, wraps and salads sold by major supermarkets that were believed to contain salad leaves.
Data up to June 11 shows that more than 200 people have been found to have been infected with E. coli across the UK in recent weeks.
Based on information collected to date from 160 cases, 42% have been hospitalized.
The FSA said anyone who bought THIS! wraps with a use-by date up to June 18 should not eat them and should return them to the store for a refund.
Experts have previously said the ongoing spread of E. coli infections is linked to widely available foods, but have not identified any specific foods.
Greencore Group has so far recalled 45 products sold in Sainsbury's, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, Co-op and Boots.
Meanwhile, Samworth Brothers Manton Wood has recalled 15 products from Tesco and One Stop stores.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said: “Following the findings of an investigation by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the sandwich manufacturer is recalling a range of sandwiches, wraps and salads as a precautionary measure. The Agency is working to identify the source of the ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (Stec).”
How do you treat E. coli and what are the symptoms?
E. coli is a diverse group of bacteria that normally resides in the intestines of humans and animals.
Some types are harmless, but others can cause serious illness.
Testing revealed that the type of bacteria causing the infection was called E. coli STEC O145.
It produces Shiga toxins that can attack the intestinal lining.
Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting.
It usually takes several days after infection for symptoms to appear.
Most people recover well, but some, including young children and those with underlying medical conditions, can become very unwell.
There is no specific treatment for E. coli infection. Infected people can usually be cared for at home and most recover without treatment.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids.
A small number of people may develop serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can damage the kidneys.
If you are concerned you should see a doctor.
There are several things people can do to reduce the risk of infection.
Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap – alcohol-based gels do not kill all the bacteria that cause diarrheal diseases.
Wash fruits and vegetables and cook them at the recommended temperature.
If you have symptoms, do not prepare food for others or visit people in hospital or care homes.
You should not return to work, school or daycare until 48 hours after your symptoms have subsided.
