Product recallFSAUpdated
Lancashire Cheese recalled over E. coli
Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese Ltd has updated the precautionary recall of various Lancashire Cheese products because the products might contain Shiga-toxin producing E. coli. The implicated cheeses may be in several retail formats, including cut-to-order and wrapped in plain waxed paper from a deli counter, prepacked pieces of cheese purchased or gifted to you that was purchased on or prior to Monday 5 February 2024. The recalled products may have been included in a hamper or been sold as part of a charcuterie grazing platter. It may not always be clear whether you have purchased an affected product. If in doubt, you are advised to not eat the product and ensure it is stored safely, fully wrapped and not in contact with other foods if returning the product to the place it was purchased or dispose of it at home. Update 3 – This Product Recall Information Notice (PRIN) replaces updates 1 and 2 and has been updated to refine the batches of recalled products implicated.
What to do now
STEC, a harmful type of E. coli, is the reason for this recall. The illness is harsher than ordinary food poisoning and children are the most at risk of complications.
- Do not eat any of it, and do not try to rinse it clean — that does not make it safe.
- Clean the fridge and anything the product touched, then wash your hands well.
- Take it back to Waitrose for a full refund, or throw it away if you prefer. You do not usually need a receipt.
- If you froze some or put it into another container, check those portions too.
Why it matters. STEC can cause bloody diarrhoea and, in a small number of cases, a kidney complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome, most often in young children. Washing salad leaves at home does not reliably remove it.
Symptoms and when to get help
Look out for
- diarrhoea, which may be bloody
- stomach cramps
- feeling or being sick
- a high temperature
Get help urgently
- blood in your poo — get urgent advice from NHS 111 or your GP the same day
- a child who is passing much less pee than usual, looks pale or is unusually tired after a stomach bug
- signs of dehydration or symptoms that are getting worse
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
Shops selling the product will display a point-of-sale notice and accept returns. You are entitled to your money back; you are not obliged to accept a voucher or replacement unless you want one.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, food must be of satisfactory quality and as described. A recalled product does not meet that standard.
From the official notice
Published by the Food Standards Agency (FSA-PRIN-50-2023). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese Ltd has updated the precautionary recall of various Lancashire Cheese products because the products might contain Shiga-toxin producing E. coli.
The implicated cheeses may be in several retail formats, including cut-to-order and wrapped in plain waxed paper from a deli counter, prepacked pieces of cheese purchased or gifted to you that was purchased on or prior to Monday 5 February 2024.
The recalled products may have been included in a hamper or been sold as part of a charcuterie grazing platter. It may not always be clear whether you have purchased an affected product. If in doubt, you are advised to not eat the product and ensure it is stored safely, fully wrapped and not in contact with other foods if returning the product to the place it was purchased or dispose of it at home.
Update 3 – This Product Recall Information Notice (PRIN) replaces updates 1 and 2 and has been updated to refine the batches of recalled products implicated.
The risk
The products listed above might be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, (STEC).
Symptoms caused by STEC organisms include severe diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea), abdominal pain, and sometimes haemolytic uremic syndrome, (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.
Action taken
Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese Ltd is recalling the above products. Point of sale notices will be displayed where the products were sold. These notices explain to customers why the products are being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the products.
Advice to consumers
If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund or dispose of them at home. Ensure the products are thoroughly wrapped and do 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.
Open the FSA notice
Questions
Why has Lancashire Cheese been recalled?
STEC, a harmful type of E. coli, is the reason for this recall. The illness is harsher than ordinary food poisoning and children are the most at risk of complications. STEC can cause bloody diarrhoea and, in a small number of cases, a kidney complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome, most often in young children. Washing salad leaves at home does not reliably remove it.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Do not eat any of it, and do not try to rinse it clean — that does not make it safe. Clean the fridge and anything the product touched, then wash your hands well.
Can I get a refund?
Shops selling the product will display a point-of-sale notice and accept returns. You are entitled to your money back; you are not obliged to accept a voucher or replacement unless you want one. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, food must be of satisfactory quality and as described. A recalled product does not meet that standard.
Where was Lancashire Cheese sold?
The notice names Waitrose. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
