One Briton has died in an E. coli outbreak linked to artisanal cheese.
At least 30 people had been made ill by the rare variant of the diarrhoea-causing bacteria linked to a dairy near Preston.
Safety chiefs have urged the public not to eat four varieties of Mrs Kirkham's Lancashire cheese, made with raw cow's milk. Another type with the same warning, made by the same dairy company, is sold in Waitrose.
Some may also have been unknowingly gifted with festive packages, officials say.
Health officials are scrambling to find the source of the outbreak, which is believed to have started in late July. Investigations are underway.
The outbreak has affected children as young as seven years old. MailOnline understands the death was reported in Scotland.
Four varieties of Mrs Kirkham's Lancashire cheese have been urgently recalled and issued with a 'do not eat' warning due to fears of contamination. Pictured: A general shot taken from the Lancashire cheesemaker's website
Symptoms range from mild to bloody diarrhea, says the UK Health Security Agency. Vomiting, fever and stomach cramps are other telltale symptoms. But in severe cases, the bug can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) did not reveal the age of the deceased patient.
The agency, which is tasked with countering any threats from infectious diseases, said the ages of affected patients ranged from “seven to 81.”
They all tested positive for a specific strain called 0145, which was feared to be lurking in the cheese.
STEC, or Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, is spread by eating contaminated food, such as raw leafy vegetables or undercooked meat.
Waitrose & Partners No. 1 Farmhouse Kirkham's Lancashire Cheese, sold in 200g packs, is being recalled amid fears that food poisoning could occur following the E. coli outbreak. This comes after four varieties of Mrs Kirkham's Lancashire cheese were urgently recalled and slapped with a 'do not eat' warning due to contamination fears
The highly contagious bacteria can also be spread by touching infected animals or their feces and coming into contact with other people who are sick.
Symptoms range from mild to bloody diarrhea, the UKHSA says. Vomiting, fever and stomach cramps are other telltale symptoms.
But in severe cases, the bug can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure.
Children under five years of age are most commonly affected by HUS, but it can also affect other vulnerable groups, including the elderly and immunocompromised.
UKHSA chiefs said people should take extra care to avoid infection and, if they are struck by the bug, passing it on to others.
Amy Douglas, UKHSA's incident director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety, said: 'There are at least 30 confirmed cases of this particular outbreak of STEC in Britain.
'If you have diarrhea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends during the holidays.
'Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces can help prevent the spread of infection. Do not prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared.'
Tina Potter, head of incidents and the Food Standards Agency, said: 'We are aware that this recalled product may be popular over the festive period, particularly as it has been sold as part of a Christmas gift basket.
'We therefore urge consumers to check whether they have purchased or received this product as a gift.'
So far, a total of five varieties of Kirkham's Lancashire cheese have been urgently recalled and issued with a 'do not eat' warning due to fears of contamination.
These include Mrs Kirkham's Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Taste Lancashire, Mature Lancashire and Smoked Lancashire varieties.
The fifth came yesterday after Waitrose recalled its artisan number 1 Farmhouse Kirkham's Lancashire product.
The FSA issued its first precautionary recall warning for the four Mrs. products on Christmas Eve. Kirkham.
At the time, the FSA said further recalls of other products could occur as investigations continue.
Ms Kirkham's said: 'We are working very closely with our local Environmental Health Officers and the FSA to fully understand the situation and whether our products are being appropriately sourced.
'This recall involves new testing techniques designed to better identify potentially dangerous strains of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
“Unfortunately, these new testing techniques are not currently the industry standard.”
The statement also said that the company had been left in limbo as many labs were currently closed for the holidays.
“We will suspend all orders until the investigation is complete and we have answers.”