Calling all cheese lovers gearing up to indulge in festive cheese platters over the holidays! Before you sink those teeth into that delectable Lancashire cheese, there’s a cautionary tale you must know. A ‘do not eat’ warning has been sounded for four distinct types of cheeses due to potential E. Coli contamination, causing quite a stir in the cheese-loving community.

Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese Ltd is at the heart of this cheese conundrum, as the cheeses are being recalled as a precaution. Whether you’ve received the cheese as part of a hamper, as a Christmas gift, or purchased it yourself, there’s a chance it could be affected. The cheeses have also been included in charcutier grazing platters, further complicating the situation.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) urges caution, advising consumers to contact the retailer from whom they purchased the cheese to check if it is part of the affected batches. As a safety measure, it is recommended to avoid consuming the cheese and store it securely, fully wrapped and separate from other foods. The specific cheeses that have been recalled are the Mrs Kirkham’s Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire, and Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire.

The symptoms of E. Coli contamination include severe diarrhoea, including bloody diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, with potential complications that can be life-threatening. A most unwelcome Christmas surprise indeed.

But that’s not all. The cheese recall has sparked uproar within the local cheese-loving community. Christmas hampers, festive cheese platters, and thoughtful cheese-themed gifts are all under scrutiny. Cheese enthusiasts are left wondering if their beloved dairy product harbours a potentially dangerous bacteria.

In the midst of this cheese-related chaos, the ChronicleLive has come up with a unique way to stay in the know. By joining their WhatsApp communities, you can receive the latest news directly to your phone. Don’t worry, your privacy is preserved – only the ChronicleLive team can see who’s signed up or send messages. Plus, they offer special offers, promotions, and adverts from them and their partners. You can even join multiple communities based on your interests.

So, if you want to stay in the loop while enjoying your Christmas and New Year celebrations, consider joining the WhatsApp community and being part of a community that has your best interests at heart. And while you’re at it, double-check your cheese before taking a nibble – this year’s Christmas surprise might not be as delightful as you hoped.