Four types of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheeses were recalled (Picture: Mrs. Kirkham’s Cheese)

Dozens of people have been hit with food poisoning in an E.coli outbreak linked to artisan cheese.

Four types of Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire cheeses were recalled and given a ‘do not eat’ warning over contamination fears ahead of Christmas Day.

Health chiefs have now confirmed 30 Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) infections in the UK.

It can cause symptoms including severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain and occasionally haemolytic uremic syndrome, which damages blood vessels and can lead to clots as well as fatal kidney failure.

The Food Standards Agency and UK Health Security Agency alert applies to Mrs Kirkham’s Mild and Creamy Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Tasty Lancashire, Mrs Kirkham’s Mature Lancashire and Mrs Kirkham’s Smoked Lancashire.

Tina Potter, head of incidents at the FSA, said: ‘We are aware that this recalled product may be popular over the festive period, especially as it has been sold as part of a Christmas gift hamper and so we are urging consumers to check whether they have bought or been gifted this product.  

‘Due to this outbreak of E.coli O145 we are urging all consumers to ensure they follow the advice in the product recall notices, which details all of the products which may pose a risk.

‘We are also asking people to share this advice with friends and family who may have either purchased the recalled product or have received it as a gift.’

Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) infection can cause symptoms including severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain and occasionally haemolytic uremic syndrome

Amy Douglas, incident director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety division at UKHSA, said: ‘There have been at least 30 confirmed cases of this specific outbreak strain of STEC in the UK. 

‘Symptoms of STEC include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends over the festive period.  

‘Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will help stop infections from spreading. Don’t prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop. 

‘Many of us will be travelling for Christmas, but if you are unwell you should avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings.

‘Do not return to work or school once term restarts, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.’

People who have purchased the product are advised to store it safely, fully wrapped and ensure it is not in contact with other foods.

‘Wash your hands, equipment, utensils and surfaces that may have come into contact with the product thoroughly,’ the FSA said.

The product can be returned to where it was bought from for a full refund.

People who have purchased the affected cheeses are advised to store it safely, fully wrapped and ensure it is not in contact with other foods (Picture: Jones Farm Shop)

Point of sale notices will be displayed where the products were sold explaining why they have been recalled and what to do if they have been purchased.

When it comes to storing Christmas food, GP Dr Babak Ashrafi from Asda Online Doctor said people should use their common sense.

He said: ‘It is generally safe to keep food for a couple of days after Christmas, as long as it is refrigerated and stored properly. But use your best judgement before eating any leftovers, and be sure to throw away any food that doesn’t look or smell safe to eat.

‘Leaving meat at room temperature, or not refrigerating it at low enough temperatures, can encourage bacteria to grow and lead to foodborne illnesses.

‘Certain bacteria, such as Salmonella and E.coli, thrive on meat and can make you very sick. Food contaminated with these bacteria can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in very serious cases, require medical treatment.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Health chiefs have now confirmed 30 Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) infections in the UK.