Health experts across the UK have issued an urgent national alert, warning the public over a specific batch of contaminated cooked chicken products linked to a dangerous E.coli outbreak.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have triggered a major product recall. The affected product is a type of pre-cooked chicken widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores.
What Product Is Affected?
The recall centres on certain date codes of manufacturer's cooked chicken. While the specific brand was not disclosed in the initial alert, authorities have confirmed the product was supplied to a wide range of major retailers. Consumers are being urged to check any cooked chicken products in their homes.
The Health Risk: Why This is Serious
The products have been identified as the likely source of a recent spike in Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections. This particular strain of bacteria can cause severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. In the most serious cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications like haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure.
What Should You Do?
The advice from health officials is clear and urgent:
- Check your fridge and freezer immediately for any cooked chicken products.
- Do not eat any of the affected products.
- If you have purchased the product, return it to the store for a full refund or dispose of it safely.
- Thoroughly clean all surfaces, utensils, and hands that may have come into contact with the product to prevent cross-contamination.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you have consumed the product and begin to experience symptoms, it is vital to take action:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Practice good hygiene to avoid spreading the infection to others.
- Contact NHS 111 or your GP for advice. In an emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
- Avoid preparing food for others while you are symptomatic and for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have subsided.
This public health warning underscores the critical importance of food safety and swift action by authorities to contain potential outbreaks. The FSA and UKHSA continue to investigate the source of the contamination.
