London, UK

At least 60 types of pre-packed sandwiches, wraps and salads are being recalled in major supermarkets in the UK because of possible contamination with E. coli.

Advertisment

E. coli bacteria have not been detected in the products, but they are being recalled as a safety measure. It is understood these are items containing salad leaves.

The retailers involved include Aldi, Asda, Co-op and Morrisons.

Also read: Remote Australian community unites to kill crocodile and prepare a grand meal out of it

Advertisment

Notably, some 211 people across the UK are known to be affected by E. coli currently - up from 113 last week. At least 67 people have been admitted to hospital, the UK Health Security Agency said.

Experts had previously suggested that a constant E. coli outbreak was connected to widely and readily available food, but had not identified specific items. One of the suppliers involved, Greencore Group, has since recalled 45 different products.

These include an Aldi chicken fajita triple wrap, Asda smoky beans and cheddar cheese wrap, Boots chicken salad sandwich, Sainsbury's Greek style wrap, Co-op ham and cheese wrap, Morrisons gluten-free sandwich platter and an Amazon prawn layered salad.

Advertisment

Manufacturer Samworth Brothers Manton Wood has recalled 15 products, which include a Tesco chicken salad sandwich, Tesco tuna crunch sub and Tesco spicy bean wrap.

A third manufacturer is expected to announce a recall as soon as Saturday (June 15).

Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said, “This is a complex investigation, and we have worked quickly with the relevant businesses and the local authorities concerned to narrow down the wide range of foods consumed to a small number of salad leaf products that have been used in sandwiches and wraps."

Also read: Ice cream horror: Mumbai man finds human finger inside ice cream, police probe underway

He added, “illness caused by E. coli can cause severe bloody diarrhoea and, in some cases, more serious complications.

"We therefore advise any consumers who have any of these products not to eat them."

How do you treat E. coli?

E. coli are a different group of bacteria that normally live in human and animal intestines. Some types are risk-free but others can make people seriously ill.

Tests have shown that the type in this outbreak is called E.coli STEC O145.

Symptoms can include diarrhoea that can be bloody, stomach cramps, fever and vomiting.

It usually takes a few days from being infected for symptoms to show.

Most people recover well, but some - such as young children or people with underlying health conditions - can become very unwell.

There is no specific treatment for E. coli infections. People who are infected can usually be cared for at home and most will get better without medical treatment.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids, as diarrhoea can lead to dehydration.

(With inputs from agencies)