At Least 30 E.coli Cases Linked to Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed over 30 cases of E.coli tied to Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese. This has sparked an immediate recall of four popular varieties, sending shoppers into alert.
Urgent Recall Hits Four Mrs Kirkham’s Cheese Varieties
The recall, which began on Christmas Day, covers:
- Mild & Creamy Lancashire
- Tasty Lancashire
- Mature Lancashire
- Smoked Lancashire
Health experts warn these cheeses may carry a dangerous strain of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC or VTEC), a bacteria that can cause severe food poisoning.
Deadly E.coli Warning: Symptoms and Safety Advice
STEC infection can cause severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and in serious cases, haemolytic uremic syndrome — a condition that can lead to kidney failure and even death.
Consumers are urged to:
- Avoid eating the recalled cheeses
- Thoroughly clean surfaces, utensils, and equipment after contact
- Keep fridges at 5°C or lower to stop bacterial spread
Experts Urge Caution and Hygiene to Stop Outbreak
Tina Potter, FSA’s head of incidents: “Check if you bought or received this cheese as a gift and follow all recall instructions carefully.”
Amy Douglas, UKHSA incident director: “Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, use bleach-based cleaners on surfaces, and don’t prepare food for others until 48 hours after symptoms end.”
UKHSA and the Food Standards Agency are working with local councils to contain the outbreak. More recalls could follow if more contaminated products surface.
Mrs Kirkham’s Steps In after Cheese Recall
Mrs Kirkham’s 1 Cheese Ltd has confirmed the recall affects all cheese sold from October 1 to December 24. The company says it is cooperating fully with health officials to resolve the crisis and identify the source.
