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Sandwich manufacturers issue recalls as E.Coli numbers hit over 200

17-Jun-2024 - Last updated on 17-Jun-2024 at 08:21 GMT

Three manufacturers have made a number of precautionary recalls as e.coli cases rise. Getty/Eugenio Marongiu

Greencore, Samworth Brothers and THIS have issued recalls as a precaution, with sandwiches, wraps and salads among the products impacted.

So far, Greencore has recalled a total of 45 products, which include Aldi, Asda, Amazon, Boots, Co-Op, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s SKUs.

Meanwhile, 15 recalls have been issued by Samworth Brothers Manton Wood, with impacted retailers comprising Tesco, the OneStop, and The Gym Kitchen.

Finally, THIS has recalled a meat-free 'chicken and bacon' wrap that is only sold at WH Smith.

E.coli has not been detected in any of these products, but the manufacturers have issued the recall notices as a precaution.

As of earlier this week, a further 98 cases have been linked to the outbreak of STEC 0145 in the UK. So far, the Government reports that there has been a total of 211 cases.

47 in England
27 in Wales
35 in Scotland
And 2 in Northern Ireland (evidence suggests these were acquired during a visit to England)

Based on information from 160 cases to date, 42% have been admitted to hospital.

Commenting, Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the FSA, described the investigation as ‘complex’ and affirmed that the agency 'would not hesitate to take action'.

Sandwich manufacturers are taking a precautionary measure to recall various sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls in response to findings from investigations by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) who are working to identify the cause of an ongoing outbreak caused by shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC)," he 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.

“The FSA is here to ensure that food is safe. If there are products on the market that are not, we won’t hesitate to take action to remove them.”

Meanwhile, The Real Wrap Company – which was acquired by Samworth Brothers earlier this year – has recalled its ready-to-eat products over fears of Listeria.