Map shows E.coli cases across UK as sandwiches recalled

Dozens of types of sandwiches have been recalled from shops after more than 200 cases of E.coli were detected in the UK linked to a single outbreak. And our map shows the most recent cases.

As of Tuesday, June 11 there have been 211 confirmed cases of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) across the country, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). At least 67 people have so far been admitted to hospital as a result of what the UKHSA believes is a single outbreak.

Most cases have been in young adults but the bacteria has been confirmed in children as young as two and elderly people aged up to 79. The UKHSA says it is working with the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland and the devolved public health agencies to investigate the outbreak.

As a result of evidence gathered so far, several product recall notices have been published by FSA. On Monday (June 17) THIS! recalled a chicken and bacon wrap sold only at WH Smith.

Three days earlier two sandwich makers that supply UK supermarkets - Greencore and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood - recalled products sold in Boots, Asda, Tesco, Co-op, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, OneStop, and Amazon.

All the recall notices have been described as a “precaution”. Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents at the FSA, said: “This is a complex investigation, and we have worked swiftly 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, wraps, subs and rolls. Following thorough food chain analysis, these products are being recalled as a precaution.

“Infections caused by STEC bacteria 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. The FSA is here to ensure that food is safe. If there are products on the market that are not, we won’t hesitate to take action to remove them.”

The UKHSA says 147 of the confirmed cases have been in England, 35 in Scotland, and 27 in Wales. All confirmed cases so far had sample dates before May 31 but genome sequencing is ongoing to find other cases that may be linked to the outbreak.

While the latest data does reveal the specific areas where cases have been found, it is possible to map recent E.coli alerts sent to the UKHSA by GPs. These are notifications of specific infectious diseases that medics are required to inform the health authorities about. Although not confirmed by lab tests, they provide an early warning of possible outbreaks of diseases.

In the three weeks up to June 9 the UKHSA received 33 alerts relating to possible cases of E.coli - and you can see the locations on our interactive map.

Lab tests will be carried out to determine if the samples are E.coli and if they are linked to the current outbreak. E.Coli - short for Escherichia coli - is a bacteria commonly found in the lower interesting. Most E.coli strains are harmless but some can cause serious food poisoning.

The current outbreak is of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec), a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne disease. Trish Mannes, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: “Symptoms of infections with STEC include severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.

If you are unwell, have eaten salad leaves recently and are concerned about any symptoms, follow NHS.uk guidance on when to seek help and the steps you can take to avoid further spread to family and friends.

“While diarrhoea and vomiting can have a range of causes, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk and risk of infecting others. Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces will help stop any further spread of infection. If you are unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting, you should not prepare food for others while unwell and avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings. Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.”