Charles’ cheese firm linked to E.coli outbreak

Two in hospital as deadly bug strikes 16

SIXTEEN people have contracted a potentially lethal strain of E.coli linked to a blue cheese company supported by Prince Charles.

Two people are in hospital with the deadly bug, believed to have come from cheese made with unpasteurised milk by Errington Cheese, based in Carnwath, Lanarkshire.

They are in a stable condition, while 14 others are recovering at home.

Health Protection Scotland (HPS) is working with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), NHS boards and South Lanarkshire Council to investigate and manage the outbreak.

Initial inquiries found that a number of people hit by the illness had consumed Dunsyre Blue cheese.

Most had eaten the cheese in cafes or restaurants but officials warned anyone who has bought it to return or destroy it.

Dr Syed Ahmed, clinical director at HPS, said: ‘The majority of cases have consumed Dunsyre Blue while eating out, but members of the public who purchased Dunsyre Blue between May 18 and July 29 should return it to the retailer where they purchased the product or dispose of it.

‘Symptoms associated with E.coli O157 can include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and occasionally fever.

‘Anyone developing symptoms, or who is concerned about their symptoms, should contact their GP or telephone NHS 24.’

Dr Ahmed urged those who may have been in contact with the product to maintain good hand and food hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Errington Cheese owner Humphrey Errington said: ‘Up to now they haven’t shown us any evidence which would confirm any connection. We are doing a lot of tests and a lot of investigation and I’m sure HPS are too.’

Errington Cheese had previously beaten an attempt by the local council to destroy one ton of the blue cheese because it carried the food germ listeria.

That ended up costing taxpayers £291,485, with a further £25,000 paid by insurers in compensation.

Mr Errington said he received a letter of support from Prince Charles during that battle.

After the case concluded he said: ‘Prince Charles was very warm in his words of congratulation. I was tremendously encouraged to get his letter.’

Dunsyre Blue is made from unpasteurised cow’s milk then stored for up to four months before being sold.

A spokesman for the company said: ‘Errington Cheese is fully co-operating with Food Standards Scotland and is urgently reviewing procedures as we look to quickly identify any production issues and ensure that any incidents of this nature are isolated.

‘Errington Cheese has operated safely for two decades and remains hugely committed to the manufacture of high quality products that meet stringent standards.’

E.coli infections occur when people ingest organisms originating from animal faeces, most commonly through contact with grazing animals or contaminated food or water.

A spokesman for Food Standards Scotland said: ‘The production of unpasteurised cheese has an increased risk of contamination with harmful bacteria that can cause illness.

‘Vulnerable groups including pregnant women, children and the elderly should not consume unpasteurised milk and dairy products due to the increased risk of food poisoning.’

‘Urgent review of procedures’