Sandwich suppliers recall their products in response to UK E-coli outbreak

Greencore, a sandwich maker that supplies major supermarkets such as Asda Morrisons Sainsbury’s is among a number of companies recalling their products, after they were potentially linked to a E coli outbreak, which has seen cases in the UK almost double, to over 200.

The recall includes thousands of sandwiches and wraps that were sold at these three supermarkets, as well as Boots Aldi and Co-op. The 45 products are recalled because they contain a particular variety of lettuce leaf that is linked to an outbreak detected by UK Health Security Agency this month.

Samworth Brothers is also recalling 15 types of sandwiches, wraps, and subs.

As investigations continue into which products are affected, it is not yet known if there will be a further recall.

The UKHSA announced the recall on Friday, as it revealed that another 98 cases were linked to the outbreak. This brings the total confirmed cases up to 211. Of these, 147 are in England, while 27 are in Wales, and 35 in Scotland.

At least 67 patients were admitted to the hospital, according to the agency. The agency expected that the number of people affected by this outbreak would increase as they carried out further research, using genome sequencing in order to determine which E coli were linked.

The affected batch of lettuce leaves has been consumed, according to sources. However, customers and retailers are being asked to return them as a precaution.

Food Standards Agency (FSA), in response to the findings of investigations into an “ongoing outbreak” involving shiga-producing E. coli (STEC), said that sandwich manufacturers are taking “a preventative measure” by recalling various sandwiches, salads and wraps.

Darren Whitby is the head of incidents at the FSA. He said: “This was a complex case, and we worked quickly with local authorities and businesses to reduce the large number of products consumed to a few salad leaf products used in sandwiches and wrapped. These products have been recalled out of precaution after a thorough analysis of the food chain.

Infections by Stec bacteria may cause bloody diarrhea and in some cases more serious complications. “We advise consumers to not eat any of these products.”

Andrew Opie, director of food sustainability at the British Retail Consortium said: “Food Safety is the top priority for our member and those who prepare or sell food are well versed on food safety measures.

The Food Standards Agency is working closely with retailers to ensure that they take all necessary steps to minimize the risk for their customers.

Greencore’s recall includes 45 products including Asda’s chicken and bacon sandwich, Boots’s BLT and Asda’s tuna crunch roll. Sainsbury’s peri-peri chicken wrap is also included. Samworth Brothers covers 15 products, including a Tesco Chicken Salad sandwich and a One Stop Tuna Crunch Sub.

The UKHSA reported earlier this month that 113 recent UK cases E. coli were part of an outbreak. This was thought to be linked to “nationally distributed foods or multiple foods” due to the geographic spread.

Supermarkets issued notices to shoppers asking them not to consume the products but rather to return them back to the store for a refund.

Greencore stated in a press release: “As an extra precaution, we’ve voluntarily recalled several sandwiches and wraps because of a possible food safety issue.

Greencore adheres the highest standards in food safety and works closely with our suppliers and the Food Standards Agency to better understand any possible issue.