E.coli outbreak: DR ELLIE CANNON answers all your questions, including what to do if you bought (or ate) an item that’s now being recalled

Food safety chiefs today withdrew another sandwich from shelves amid fears it could be contaminated with a rare strain of E. coli.

It means ‘Do not eat’ warnings have now been placed on more than 60 products sold in the likes of Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, although so far none of the products have been confirmed to contain Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC ) – a strain that can cause severe and even bloody diarrhea.

However, it is now known that more than 200 people are infected with the bacteria compared to 113 the previous week.

So what are the signs of an E. Coli infection? How long do the symptoms last and what should you do if you have already purchased one of the now-recalled items?

Here I will try to answer the questions I am most frequently asked about the outbreak at the moment.

What are the symptoms of an E.coli infection?

Symptoms of a STEC infection range from mild to bloody diarrhea, while vomiting, fever and stomach cramps are other telltale signs.

However, these symptoms can be caused by a variety of bugs, including norovirus.

In severe cases, the bug can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure.

Children under the age of five are at greatest risk for HUS.

A small proportion of adults may develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

This is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder in which blood clots form in small blood vessels throughout your body.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) typically records around 1,500 STEC-confirmed infections per year.

Which foods are affected?

More than 60 sandwiches, wraps and salads are now sold in 11 major stores hit with ‘do not eat’ warnings for fear that they might contain STEC.

On June 14, two major sandwich manufacturers that supply British supermarkets – Greencore and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood – recalled a range of their products.

Greencore produces 1.7 million sandwiches every day, making it the largest manufacturer in the world.

Aldi’s Chicken Fajita Triple Wrap, Asda’s Smoky Beans and Cheddar Cheese Wrap and Boots’ Vegan No Duck & Hoisin Wrap are among the affected products.

Others include Sainsbury’s Greek Style Wrap and Peri Peri Chicken Wrap and Amazon’s Prawn Layered Salad.

Earlier today, the ‘This Ain’t Chicken and Bacon wrap’, manufactured by vegan company THIS!, which is only sold in WH Smith, was also recalled.

What should I do if I have already eaten one of the recalled products?

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has urged anyone who has bought any of the more than 60 recalled products not to eat them.

Friday’s warning affects all date codes on products through June 14, 15 and 16.

The recall also applies to all ‘This Isn’t Chicken and Bacon’ wraps with a best before date through June 18.

You should instead return to the store where you purchased the product and claim a full refund.

If you think you’ve had one and you don’t feel unwell, there’s not much else you need to do. However, if you’re not feeling well, read on for my advice.

I think I have E. Coli food poisoning. What should I do?

People usually notice symptoms three to four days after being infected.

But they can start at any time, up to 14 days after exposure.

Most people with the disease will get better within a week without NHS care, but symptoms can last for a fortnight.

Anyone experiencing STEC symptoms is advised to stay home from work or school until 48 hours after you stop vomiting or having diarrhea to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

People who serve unpackaged food, work in health care, or attend kindergarten or daycare are especially at risk of spreading the infection to others.

Government guidelines also require them to be screened for STEC before returning to work or school.

It’s important to call your doctor if you think you have it.

What will the doctor do to help?

There is no specific treatment for an STEC.

But it is important to drink enough fluids because symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. To pay attention to this, make sure you water regularly.

Antibiotics are not recommended.

This is due to the potential to increase the risk of complications such as HUS, as the influence of medications on the bacteria can cause a build-up of toxins.

In general, diet can play a major role in reducing the effects of diarrhea.

I recommend avoiding fatty, highly spicy foods and dairy products. Instead, opt for light alternatives such as rice, toast or bananas.

You should call NHS 111 or contact their GP if you are concerned about a baby under six months of age, if a child stops drinking while sick, or if a child under five shows signs of dehydration such as less wet diapers.

You should also seek medical attention if signs of dehydration persist after using oral rehydration sachets, if you or your child cannot stop being sick or maintain fluid levels,

Anyone experiencing bloody diarrhea or bleeding from the bottom should call NHS 111 or your GP immediately.

Have there been such STEC outbreaks in the UK before?

Last June, an outbreak linked to ground meat products was responsible for 27 cases of STEC.

There was also an outbreak in 2022 that sickened more than 259 people between August and the end of October. It was suggested at the time that salad was a possible cause.

Research shows that leafy greens are responsible for half of all E. Coli outbreaks.

It is not uncommon for products to be recalled due to fears of E. Coli outbreaks. Five cheese products were also recalled last December.

How can I prevent STEC?

STEC is mainly spread by eating contaminated food, such as raw vegetables that have not been properly washed or stored, or through undercooked meat.

It can also be spread by touching infected animals or their feces, either directly or through contaminated water.

People can also pass the bug through direct content, such as caring for a sick child and then touching their face and mouth without properly washing their hands.

To avoid contracting the infection or possibly passing it on to others, wash your hands with soap and warm water and use disinfectants to clean surfaces.

Food hygiene measures such as washing fruits and vegetables and cooking foods properly should always be followed.

You should also not prepare food for others if you are unwell, nor should you visit people in hospitals or care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings.