Amid Christmas preparations, a cautionary message has been issued concerning cheeseboards and hampers, highlighting a potential E. coli risk associated with products from a specific

manufacturer.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has taken a precautionary step to recall items from Mrs Kirkham's, drawing attention to Creamy Lancashire, Tasty Lancashire, Mature Lancashire, and Smoked Lancashire brands.

The recall extends to items purchased individually or included in hampers or charcutier grazing platters, raising concerns about identification of affected products.

Mrs Kirkham's products are stocked by major retailers like Waitrose and Booths, as well as smaller outlets.

The FSA cautioned, "The products listed above might be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), causing symptoms resembling flu such as high temperature, muscle ache, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, complications like meningitis can occur."

Customers who bought these products are advised to isolate them from other foods, ensure proper hygiene by washing hands and surfaces thoroughly, and return the product for a full refund at the point of purchase.

Point of sale notices will be prominently displayed, detailing the reason for the recall and guiding consumers on necessary actions if they've purchased the affected items. Photo by Ashish5513, Wikimedia commons.