WHSmith has recalled the product as a ‘precautionary measure’ due to possible E. coli contamination.
THIS food manufacturer! has issued a recall notice to customers about its vegan chicken and pork wraps, according to the Food Standards Agency.
The agency is urging anyone who bought the product from WHSmith at any time up to and including Tuesday, June 18, to return it to the store for a full refund.
They also warned customers not to eat the product.
It comes just days after Greencore Group and Samworth Brothers manufacturer Manton Wood recalled a range of sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major UK supermarkets.
The graphic shows a complete list of foods to remember. At least 40 different types of supermarket sandwiches, wraps and salads have been taken off the shelves as inspectors warn people not to eat them once they have bought them.
THIS! Vegan chicken and meat packs have been recalled as a ‘precautionary measure’ due to possible E. coli contamination (Image)
The recall was issued due to a potential link to an outbreak of E.coli which has caused multiple hospital cases across the UK.
E. coli is a diverse group of bacteria that are usually harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals.
Bugs – which can kill – usually cause fever, sickness and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually disappear naturally within a few days.
Greencore is recalling a number of sandwiches, wraps and salads sold at Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, the Co-op, and retail pharmacy chain Boots.
Samworth Brothers Manton Wood is recalling a range of Tesco and One Stop sandwiches and wraps.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said: “Sandwich manufacturers are taking the precautionary step of recalling a range of sandwich and salad packs in response to the findings of an investigation by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), which is working to identify the cause of ongoing outbreaks caused by shiga toxin-producing E.coli (Stec).’
Greencore Group said in a statement: “As a precautionary measure, we are voluntarily recalling some sandwiches and wraps due to food safety risks.
‘Greencore adheres to the highest food safety standards, and we work closely with the Food Standards Agency and our suppliers to better understand the possible sources of potential problems.’
Samworth Brothers spokesman Manton Wood said: ‘The Food Standards Agency has advised suppliers of salad ingredients used in some products to take a step back and recall the products.
‘Meanwhile, an investigation into the food chain is underway, which has yet to reach a conclusion.
THIS! Vegan chicken and meat packs are only sold at WHSmith – customers are being advised not to consume them and return them (file image)
Greencore Group and Samworth Brothers Manton Wood are recalling a range of sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major UK supermarkets.
‘A small number of sandwiches and wrap lines made at the Manton Wood site are being recalled as a precautionary measure to ensure a high level of health protection for consumers.
‘No other Manton Wood products are affected.’
Stec is a more severe strain of E.coli – with 50 percent of cases causing bloody diarrhea.
Other symptoms include stomach cramps and fever. Symptoms can last up to two weeks in uncomplicated cases.
Some patients, especially children, can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome which is a life-threatening condition that causes kidney failure.
A small percentage of adults can develop a similar condition called thrombotic thrombocytopaenic purpura (TTP).
As of June 6, the number of cases linked to the Stec outbreak was 98, but the number had risen to 211 on June 11.
Trish Mannes, director of incidents at UKHSA, said: “We thank all the cases that have provided us with information that has allowed us, through epidemiological analysis of questionnaire data and food tracking investigations, to reduce the possibility of food products linked to this outbreak.’
Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which? said the outbreak showed how ‘we can never be complacent about food and food safety standards’.
‘With so many people so affected, the product was withdrawn with caution.
‘Supermarkets and the FSA must do everything they can to make people aware of the affected products and ensure they don’t eat them.
Products being recalled by Greencore include sandwiches, wraps and salads sold at Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, the Co-op, and retail pharmacy chain Boots (stock)
Samworth Brothers Manton Wood is recalling a range of Tesco and One Stop sandwiches and wraps (stock image)
‘The FSA and the UK’s Health Safety Agency must be aware of the widespread outbreak and take all necessary action to prevent others from becoming ill.’
Earlier this month, the Food Standards Agency confirmed at least 37 people had been hospitalized following an E. coli outbreak, believed to be food-related.
Whole-genome sequencing of samples showed the majority of 113 cases reported in the UK between May 25 and June 4 were part of a single outbreak.
At the time, the agency said the incident was related to a nationally distributed food item or variety of food.
About 147 cases have been confirmed in the UK, with 27 in Wales, 35 in Scotland and two in Northern Ireland – which is believed to have originated in the UK.
Mr Whitby added: “This is a complex investigation, and we have worked quickly with the relevant businesses and local authorities concerned to limit the range of food consumed to a range of salad leaf products which have been used in sandwiches and wraps.
Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC), a rare strain of the insect that causes diarrhea
Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli include severe diarrhea and vomiting, according to the UK Health Safety Agency.
“After a thorough food chain analysis, the product is being recalled as a precaution.
‘The FSA is here to make sure food is safe. If there is a product on the market that does not exist, we will not hesitate to take action to remove it.’
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the UK Retail Consortium, said: “Food safety is a top priority for our members and those who sell or prepare food are already aware of food safety measures.
‘Following an investigation by regulators FSA and UKHSA, some manufacturers in the supply chain took precautionary measures and issued recall notices for some products.
‘The affected retailer is taking immediate action to remove the product from sale and is working with the Food Standards Agency to take any further action necessary to reduce the risk to customers.’
