A NEW Christmas hamper product is being recalled over fears it contains E.coli.
It comes as officials deal with a big outbreak of the bug, which has left one dead and 30 unwell.
ChilternThe spicy treats are being recalled over fears some contain traces of E.coli[/caption]
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued ‘do not eat warnings’ for Chiltern Artisan chilli sticks because E. coli has been found in some of the sticks.
The alarm was raised on New Year’s Eve when it emerged the hamper filler was contaminated with a specific type of E.coli bacteria called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.
Also known as STEC, this pathogen can cause food poisoning, triggering nasty symptoms like bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and tummy pain.
In some cases, the bacterial strain can cause haemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and may be fatal.
Last week, a Brit tragically died following an outbreak of E.coli as investigations into a recalled artisan cheese.
At least 30 people aged between seven and 31 have fallen ill with the disease.
Investigations are continuing into any potential link between the strain and four cheeses, which were urgently pulled from shelves on Christmas Eve.
The chilli meat sticks have not yet been linked to the E.coli outbreak.
The spicy treats are sometimes sold in 100g portions at markets and are also part of Christmas hampers.
The recall affects all batches bought between October 14 and December 16 this year.
In an announcement, the FSA, said: “Chiltern Artisan has taken the precautionary step of recalling Chiltern Artisan chilli sticks because E. Coli has been found in some of the products.
“The use-by date is also not displayed on the product packaging, making the product unsafe to eat.”
Chiltern Artisan says it will test all its products before January 8 before they are put back on sale.
The food agency added: “If you have bought the above product, do not eat it.
“Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.
“Ensure the products is thoroughly wrapped and does not come into contact with any other foods.
“Wash your hands, equipment, utensils and surfaces that may have come into contact with the product thoroughly.”
What are the symptoms of an E. coli infection?
According to the NHS, symptoms of STEC include severe diarrhoea – including bloody diarrhoea – stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.
You can get an STEC infection from eating contaminated food or water.
However, it’s also possible for you to get it through “close contact with an infected person”, the FSA and UKHSA warned in a joint alert.
If you have the infection, you can spread it to other people living in the same household, they said.
It’s also not uncommon for it to be passed on in settings such as nurseries, the agencies added.
There are a number of different types of E.coli – most of which are harmless – but because of this there is no single treatment.
In some cases, a short course of antibiotics may be necessary, according to the NHS website.