2024 United Kingdom Shigatoxigenic E. coli outbreak

The 2024 United Kingdom shigatoxigenic E. coli outbreak was a Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) O145 outbreak that is believed to have occurred in prepackaged supermarket sandwiches, salads, wraps distributed to and sold in multiple supermarket chains across the United Kingdom such as Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, and Tesco. As of 14 June 2024, 211 people were affected by E. coli symptoms, with 67 people requiring hospitalization.^[1]

Background

Disease caused by Shiga-toxigenic E. coli differs from Escherichia coli O157:H7 in that it produces Shiga toxin, which in addition to typical bacterial abdominal symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain, it can also cause severe damage to small blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Inflammation of the digestive tract lining and the glomerular vascular endothelium can potentially lead to hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic-uremic syndrome respectively.^[2]

Outbreak

United Kingdom public health authorities determined that the breakout was linked to the tainting of “a small number of salad leaf products”.

Impact

Cases of E. coli were first reported on 25 May 2024.^[3] On 14 June 2024, the distribution of the 211 reported cases was:

• England: 147 cases
• Scotland: 35 cases
• Wales: 27 cases
• Northern Ireland: 2 cases

With 67 people requiring hospitalization.^[4] The ages of people showing disease symptoms ranged from two to 79, with most of the reported symptomatic infections occurring in young adults.^[5]

Recall

Several food manufacturers have had to recall multiple products suspected to be tainted with E. coli, with a use-by date of 16 June or earlier.

Recalls include:

• Greencore Group - Voluntarily recalled 45 products, including sandwiches, wraps, and chicken salad. No testing has yet indicated the presence of E. coli in any of their products, but the organization chose to proactively recall several leaf vegetable-containing products to minimize harm to consumers and to spread information about the outbreak.^[6]
• Samworth Brothers Manton Wood - Voluntarily recalled 15 sandwich and wrap products also to avoid possible harm despite no traces of E. coli being present yet in tested products.^[7]
• A third currently unnamed food supplier stated that they will announce a recall on 15 June 2024.

Statements from the Food Standards Agency and British 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.^[1]

References