‘Tis the season to be jolly, or so they say. But for a group of unfortunate souls, the holiday cheer turned into a nightmare after partaking of tainted cheese. The villains in this tale? Four varieties of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese, withdrawn from circulation due to contamination with a particularly nasty strain of E. coli known as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The cheeses in question – Mild & Creamy, Tasty, Mature, and Smoked Lancashire – now pose a serious threat, leaving behind a wake of severe illness.

What was meant to be a time of feasting and merriment, has now turned into a health crisis, with symptoms ranging from severe diarrhoea and stomach cramps to vomiting and fever. And for the unfortunate few, there is even the risk of developing a potentially fatal complication called haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.

The warning has now been issued by health officials, urging the public to steer clear of these tainted dairy delights, while also expressing concern for those who may have received the cheeses as part of holiday gift baskets.

The emphasis now is on practising good hygiene, with advice to wash hands thoroughly, clean surfaces with bleach-based products, and refrain from preparing food for others if experiencing any symptoms. Furthermore, the public is advised to reach out to the retailers to confirm if they have purchased the affected product. As a precautionary measure, the contaminated cheese should be kept separate from other items and not consumed.

For anyone who has purchased the recalled products, it is imperative to discard the cheese, sanitize any surfaces and utensils that came into contact with it, and maintain fridge temperatures at five degrees Celsius or below to prevent any further bacterial growth.

In the midst of festive celebrations, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and spread the word to friends and family about the dangers of these potentially harmful cheeses. So, as the holiday season unfolds, let’s ensure that our celebrations are not marred by illness. Stay safe, stay informed, and may your holiday season be joyous and healthy.