Sandwich recall amid potential E. coli contamination

Current outbreak features shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) O145, which can attack the gut lining and particularly affect young children or those with underlying health conditions

Thousands of sandwiches, wraps and salads containing a certain variety of salad leaf have been recalled after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) linked them to an outbreak of E. coli which has hospitalised at least 86 people.

There has been a total of 256 confirmed cases of E. coli across the UK as of 20^th June, although UKHSA expects this to rise as investigations continue into which cases are linked.

Recalled items are not believed to contain E coli, but at least 60 products have been removed from supermarket shelves as a precaution. Greencore, which supplies Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Boots, Aldi and the Co-op, have recalled 45 different wraps and sandwiches, while Samworth Brothers, which supply Tesco and One Stop, have removed 15 sandwiches, wraps and subs. Food manufacturer THIS! recalled its plant-based chicken and bacon wrap, sold at WH Smith, over fears of possible contamination.

Darren Whitby, Head of Incidents at Food Standards Agency (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”

Andrew Opie, Director of Food & Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said, “Following investigations by the FSA and UKHSA regulators, a number of manufacturers in the supply chain are taking precautionary measures and issuing a recall notice for a small number of products. Retailers affected are taking swift action to remove these products from sale and are working closely with the Food Standards Agency to take any further action needed to minimise risk to their customers."

E. coli is a diverse group of bacteria that live in human and animal intestines; some are harmless, but others make people seriously ill. This outbreak involves a shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) O145, which can attack the gut lining; symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever and vomiting. Although most people recover without medical treatment, young children or those with underlying health conditions may become unwell. A small number may develop complications including haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which damages the kidneys.

“Without sufficient [environmental health] staffing and resources, our ability to prevent such outbreaks is severely compromised.”

Louise Hosking, Executive Director of Environmental Health at CIEH said that the E.coli outbreak underscores the critical role CIEH members play in ensuring food safety and protecting the public, describing environmental health professionals as “our first line of defence against foodborne illnesses”. She added, “Without sufficient staffing and resources, our ability to prevent such outbreaks is severely compromised. 

“We need urgent action to address the workforce shortages and capacity challenges facing our profession. I urge parliamentary candidates to engage with us and commit to raising awareness of this issue in parliament if elected. Supporting and strengthening the environmental health workforce is essential to safeguarding our communities and preventing future public health crises.”