Health fears surge as five cheeses recalled over Christmas after E. coli scare

Five cheeses commonly found in Christmas hampers across the country have been recalled due to a possible E.Coli contamination.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recalled products from Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese and Route Des Terrhad, respectively.

Mrs Kirkham’s, an award-winning cheesemaker, received an alert from the FSA yesterday warning that there was a possibility that four of their products contained E.Coli.

Earlier today, Route des Terroirs, a French cheesemaker, also recalled items due to the same fears.

Products that received an FSA notice were Mrs Kirkham’s Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire and Route des Terroirs’s Morbier Maison Monts & Terroirs Chalet De Vevy.

Speaking about Mrs Kirkham’s, the FSA: “The cheeses are sometimes sold as a full block or served as individual portions and may have been provided as part of a hamper you’ve purchased or been gifted.”

“It may not always be clear whether you have purchased an affected product,” the watchdog said.

Waitrose and Booths are stockists of its products, as well as a number of smaller outlets.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

Pope blasts Israel-Hamas conflict and says Jesus has been ‘rejected’ in favour of warArchbishop of Canterbury wades into Israel-Hamas war with special Christmas messageKing Charles and Camilla lead Royal Family as they head to Christmas church service at Sandringham

Talking about both manufacturers, the FSA explained: “The products listed above might be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, (STEC).

“Symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick, and diarrhea.

“However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis.”

People who are unsure of the origin of their hamper or charcuterie board should not eat the food and should check with the retailer if it is safe.

The FSA also said that customers must ensure the cheese is wrapped and not touching other products.

The agency continued: “Wash your hands, equipment, utensils, and surfaces that may have come into contact with the product thoroughly.”

The recall is precautionary, and the presence of E. coli is suspected and not yet confirmed.

Anyone who has a product on the recall list is entitled to a full refund.