Four Cheeses Recalled Over E. coli Fears – Could They Be in Your Christmas Hamper?
Food scare alert! Four varieties of Mrs Kirkham’s cheese have been urgently recalled due to potential contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Worse still, these cheeses might have found their way into Christmas hampers, putting festive feasts at risk.
Which Cheeses Are Affected?
- Mrs Kirkham’s Mild and Creamy 1
- Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire
- Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire
- Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) confirmed the recall on Christmas Eve, warning that all sizes—including individual portions often used on grazing boards—are impacted.
What Are the Risks?
E. coli infections can cause nasty flu-like symptoms such as high fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhoea. Though rare, severe complications like meningitis can also develop, making this a serious health threat.
FSA Warning: “It may not always be clear whether you have purchased an affected product. Contact the store to check if your cheese is part of the recall.”
What Should You Do Now?
- Stop eating the cheese immediately.
- Keep the product wrapped and away from other foods.
- Thoroughly wash your hands, kitchen utensils, and surfaces that touched the cheese.
- If you bought any of these cheeses since 1 October 2023, return them to the retailer for a full refund.
This recall is a precaution to protect public health during the busy festive season. Better safe than sorry – check your Christmas hampers now!
