The festive season is a time of joy, generosity, and warmth, but unfortunately, it seems that some Christmas gifts have brought unexpected trouble. A staggering 30 people have fallen ill after indulging in some cheese that was gifted to them during the holidays.
The culprit behind this unfortunate situation is none other than Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese, which has been recalled due to potential contamination with a specific type of E.coli bacteria known as Shiga toxin producing E. coli. The affected cheeses include Mrs Kirkham’s Mild & Creamy Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire, and Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire. Health agencies like the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS), and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued a warning, urging people to steer clear of these products as they pose a serious risk of food poisoning.
The symptoms caused by the tainted cheese range from severe diarrhoea to abdominal pain, and in some cases, haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition that can result in kidney failure and be fatal. Amy Douglas, the Incident Director for Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division at UKHSA, has stressed the importance of maintaining excellent hygiene to prevent further spread of infection.
The affected cheeses were often part of Christmas hampers or given as gifts, which means it might not be immediately obvious if one has the affected product in their possession. Health officials recommend contacting the retailer where the cheese was purchased for clarification. In the meantime, it’s crucial to refrain from consuming the cheese and to store it securely, fully wrapped, and separate from other foods.
For those who have bought the recalled products, it is imperative not to consume the cheese and to diligently clean any surfaces, utensils, and equipment that the product may have come into contact with. Maintaining fridge temperatures at or below 5 degrees Celsius is also essential to limit the growth of harmful bacteria.
Tina Potter, the Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, has emphasized the need to exercise caution, particularly considering that the recalled product may have been a popular Christmas present. She urged consumers to check whether they have purchased or received the affected cheese and to share this important advice with friends and family who may have also received it as a gift.
As we journey through the festive season, let’s remain vigilant and mindful of any potential risks to our health and well-being, ensuring that we take every necessary step to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
