Warning bells are ringing at Waitrose, not because of a cheese shortage but due to a concerning issue with Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese. This renowned cheese has been linked to a rather unsavoury guest – the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli – causing a troubling spree of 30 illnesses over the festive period.

Beyond the distressing health implications, the affected cheese even made its way into festive hampers. The No 1 Farmhouse Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese, with its £4.60 price tag for a 200g pack, has been the bearer of unpleasant surprises for unsuspecting recipients.

The symptoms associated with this strain of E. coli are far from trivial, ranging from stomach discomfort to more severe manifestations like diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps. In the most severe cases, kidney failure can result, turning the holiday cheer into a nightmare.

Waitrose may label the situation as a ‘precaution’, but it’s better to err on the side of caution. All surfaces, utensils, and equipment that came into contact with cheese should undergo a rigorous cleansing.

The affected cheeses carry best-before dates ranging from October 30, 2023, to January 16, 2024, and vigilance is crucial during this period. If any symptoms start to manifest, maintaining a hiatus from food preparation for at least 48 hours is the recommendation of experts at the UK Health Security Agency. Thorough hand hygiene and the use of bleach-based products will mitigate the spread of any harmful bacteria.

Mrs Kirkham’s vows to cooperate with authorities to resolve the issue but, for the time being, it’s wise to steer clear of their offerings. With an abundance of other delightful cheeses awaiting discovery, why take any unnecessary risks?