A widespread E. coli outbreak, linked to salad leaves in pre-packaged sandwiches, has affected more than 250 people across the UK. Since late May, 256 cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O145 have been confirmed.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Public Health Scotland, and Public Health Wales are actively investigating the surge in infections. To date, 168 people in England, 29 in Wales, and 56 in Scotland have fallen ill. Northern Ireland has reported three cases, likely contracted in England. The majority of the patients are young adults, though the outbreak spans various age groups.
Of the 227 cases examined so far, at least 86 individuals have been hospitalized.
Pre-packed sandwiches containing lettuce have been identified as the likely source of the outbreak. In response, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have issued precautionary recall notices.
Major sandwich manufacturers Samworth Brothers and Greencore Group have recalled a variety of products. That are sold at retailers such as Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Boots, Co-op, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents at FSA, emphasized the ongoing efforts to collaborate with businesses and local authorities to mitigate outbreak. “Several sandwich manufacturers have now taken precautionary action to withdraw and recall various sandwiches, wraps, subs, and rolls.
Although the source of the outbreak has been traced to a specific type of salad leaves, the FSA continues to investigate the root cause. Whitby stated, “We are confident in the source of the outbreak, but work continues to identify the root cause with the growers, suppliers, and manufacturers. We will remain vigilant until the root cause is confirmed and are keeping an open mind about possible causes.”