‘Tis the season to indulge in delectable Christmas hampers and grazing platters, filled with an array of delicious treats. However, before you dive into your festivities, there’s a rather unsavory turn of events that you should be aware of. A selection of cheeses, which could have been the star of your holiday hamper, are being urgently recalled due to the potential presence of E. coli.
Now, E. coli is no laughing matter. It can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms like stomach cramps and diarrhoea. In severe cases, it can even lead to kidney failure and, in the most dire circumstances, it can be fatal. Definitely not the kind of surprise you want to unwrap this Christmas.
The cheeses in question are the beloved Mrs Kirkham’s Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire, and Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire. These delectable delights have been swiftly recalled as a precautionary measure to avoid any potential health hazards.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has sounded the alarm, cautioning that these cheeses could have been sold as a whole block, individual portions, or as part of a charcuterie grazing platter. This means that even a small taste could put you at risk.
What’s more, identifying whether you’ve purchased an affected product might not be immediately apparent. If there’s even the slightest doubt about the cheese in your possession, it’s best to reach out to the retailer where you bought it. In the meantime, the FSA advises against consuming the cheese and to ensure it’s properly wrapped and kept separate from any other food items.
It’s important to note that there have been no changes to the affected products themselves. The update from the FSA simply clarifies the symptoms associated with the E. coli strain found in the cheese. These symptoms can range from severe diarrhoea (which may include blood), abdominal pain, and in severe cases, haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.
If you happen to have purchased any of the recalled cheeses, the best course of action is to return them to the store and seek a full refund. Remember to keep the products tightly wrapped and away from other foods. And don’t forget to thoroughly wash your hands, equipment, utensils, and any surfaces that may have come into contact with the cheese.
As we immerse ourselves in the merriment of Christmas, let’s all keep an eye out for these recalled cheeses and take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves, and our loved ones, safe. After all, the holidays are all about spreading joy, not E. coli!
