A critical food safety alert has been issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), urging consumers to immediately check their fridges for a specific product. The warning concerns various sizes of Hellenic Republic branded feta cheese due to a potential connection to a dangerous E. coli outbreak.
The affected cheese was widely available across several major UK supermarket chains, including Tesco, Asda, and Iceland. Customers who have purchased this product are being instructed to not consume it under any circumstances and to return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.
What You Need to Know
The FSA's 'do not eat' warning is a precautionary measure while investigations into the source of the outbreak continue. Symptoms of E. coli infection can be severe and include stomach cramps, diarrhoea (which may be bloody), vomiting, and fever. In the most serious cases, the infection can lead to life-threatening complications.
Affected Product Details:
- Product: Hellenic Republic Feta Cheese
- Pack Sizes: 200g, 400g, and 1kg blocks
- Use By Dates: All dates up to and including 5 July 2024
The implicated product has now been removed from supermarket shelves. Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the FSA, emphasised the seriousness of the alert, stating the agency is working closely with UK public health bodies and the business to pinpoint the cause of the outbreak.
What to Do If You Have the Product
If you have any Hellenic Republic feta cheese in your home, you must:
- Do not eat it.
- Return it to the store where it was bought for a full refund.
- Thoroughly clean any surfaces, utensils, and hands that may have come into contact with the product.
Consumers are advised to seek medical attention if they begin to experience any symptoms and to inform their healthcare provider about the possible link to this product.
