| 2024 United Kingdom Shigatoxigenic E. coli outbreak | |
|---|---|
| Bacteria strain | ShigatoxigenicEscherichia coli O145 |
| Location | United Kingdom |
| First reported | 25 May 2024 |
| Date | 25 May-5 July 2024 |
Type | Tainted salad leaf in pre-packaged sandwiches, wraps, and salads for supermarkets |
| Confirmed cases | 211 |
| Hospitalized cases | 67 |
Deaths | 1 |
Territories | England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland |
The2024 United Kingdom shigatoxigenicE. coli outbreak was aShigatoxigenicEscherichia coli (STEC) O145 outbreak that is believed to have occurred in prepackaged supermarket sandwiches, salads, wraps distributed to and sold in multiplesupermarket chains across theUnited Kingdom such asAldi,Asda,Co-op,Morrisons,Sainsbury's,WHSmith, andTesco. As of 27 June 2024, 1 person has died,[1] 211 people were affected byE. coli symptoms, with 67 people requiring hospitalization.[2]
Disease caused by Shiga-toxigenicE. coli differs fromEscherichia coli O157:H7 in that it producesShiga toxin, which in addition to typical bacterial abdominal symptoms likediarrhea andabdominal pain, it can also cause severe damage to small blood vessels in thegastrointestinal tract andkidneys. Inflammation of the digestive tract lining and theglomerular vascularendothelium can potentially lead tohemorrhagic colitis andhemolytic-uremic syndrome respectively.[3]
United Kingdom public health authorities determined that the breakout was linked to the tainting of “a small number ofsalad leaf products”.
Cases ofE. coli were first reported on 25 May 2024.[4] On 14 June 2024, the distribution of the 211 reported cases was:
With 67 people requiring hospitalization.[5] The ages of people showing disease symptoms ranged from two to 79, with most of the reported symptomatic infections occurring in young adults.[6]
Several food manufacturers have had to recall multiple products suspected to be tainted withE. coli, with a use-by date of 16 June or earlier.
Recalls include:
Statements from theFood Standards Agency andBritish Retail Consortium reported that they were contacting all relevant retailers and food manufacturers in order to work with them on testing potentially tainted products and distributing recall notices emphasizing the potential severe GI and kidney damage STEC O145 organisms can cause.[2]
