One of UK's largest ever E.coli outbreaks sparks urgent health warning after 259 people fall ill and 75 hospitalised
Plus, the signs of an E.coli infection to look out for
HEALTH HAZARD One of UK's largest ever E.coli outbreaks sparks urgent health warning after 259 people fall ill and 75 hospitalised
ONE of the UK's largest ever E.coli outbreaks, which saw 259 people fall ill and 75 hospitalised, was linked to salad leaves, a new report has revealed.
The cases were traced back to one unnamed salad grower who supplied the salad to national fast-food chains and retailers across Britain.
Advertisement
2
The E.coli outbreak occurred in 2022, and salad leaves, such as lettuce, spinach, baby leaf spinach, cos romaine and other leaf types were linked to the majority of cases interviewed
Credit: Getty
2
An E.coli infection can cause severe food borne illness
Credit: Getty
Escherichia coli O157, sometimes called STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli) is a type of E. coli that can cause severe food borne illness.
The name O157 refers to a specific type of outer cell membrane protein, and the fact that it produces Shiga toxins, which damage the lining of the intestines.
It's caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the bacteria, particularly undercooked meat, unpasteurised milk, or contaminated produce.
In England, around 800-1000 cases are reported annually.
Advertisement
The 2022 outbreak saw 259 confirmed cases of the E.coli strain - England had 195 cases, Scotland had 33, Northern Ireland had 18 and Wales had 13.
While 75 people were reported to be hospitalised, no patients were diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (a serious condition that can develop and lead to kidney failure), and no deaths were recorded.
Initial investigations pointed to the consumption of foods from national fast-food chains and having salads and chicken products.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which analysed food exposure information and traceability investigations identified linked supply chains of UK grown fresh produce.
Advertisement
The single unnamed salad grower was then linked to other identified growers and processors in the supply chain, and to restaurants and retailers the cases had visited.
Salad leaves, such as lettuce, spinach, baby leaf spinach, cos romaine and other leaf types were linked to the majority of cases interviewed - there was no strong link to one specific type of leafy green.
Why you should never eat food dropped on the floor
Investigations by the FSA revealed growers and suppliers had noted prolonged periods of extremely dry weather, followed by a lot of rain in July and August 2022 - which in some cases caused flooding.
Heavy rainfall washing pathogens from animal pastures into fields with crops, contaminating the water supply, could have played a role, said the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Advertisement
At the time, the source or cause of the outbreak couldn't be established, and it was essentially over by the time links to the specific salad supply chains had been established.
There were also no items to sample to confirm the findings microbiologically.
Supply had also switched to imported products so no ongoing risk was identified.
According to the report: "Although case numbers had reduced by the time the most likely implicated food supply chain had been identified, a re-emergence of the outbreak strain is possible in future years.
Advertisement
"Owing to the resumption of domestically produced salad in the next summer season, re-contamination of fresh produce due to persistence of the organism within the environment, which may explain the cases spanning multiple years in this cluster, is possible."
Six recommendations were made, including that the UKHSA should review surveillance to monitor and track infections.
Also, improvements where gaps were identified to enhance the detection and risk assessment of emerging outbreak clusters.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
From cold showers to hot tomatoes, how TV's Michael Mosley is still keeping us healthy a year after his tragic death
Find out exactly what the 'eccentric exercises' Dr Mosley suggests DOC'S ORDERS From cold showers to hot tomatoes, how TV's Michael Mosley is still keeping us healthy a year after his tragic death Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT has been a year since the death of the much-loved presenter Dr Michael Mosley, famous for his practical tips on improving health and well-being. Here Laura Stott looks at his legacy of enlightening and easy-to-follow ideas, including ones that the telly doctor personally benefited from, all backed up by science. 8 A year on from his death, Dr Michael Mosley's science-backed health tips are still changing lives – here we look at how his legacy lives on Credit: Channel 4 ECCENTRIC EXERCISE: Mosley advocated 'exercise snacking' – or fitting small bursts of physical activity into everyday life rather than working out in one prolonged gym session. 8 The expert recommended Nordic walking — an aerobic stroll using poles for support Credit: Getty He recommended mixing things up, doing plenty of squats and planks for lower body strength, posture and heart health, and trying 'eccentric exercises', such as walking backwards, proven to reduce back pain and aid memory. He also suggested going down flights of stairs to stretch and lengthen muscles, and Nordic walking — an aerobic stroll using poles for support — to strengthen the core and upper body. GET IN THE SWIM: Dr Mosley was a huge advocate of the gains that come from getting into the water. 8 Dr Mosley championed the health-boosting power of swimming – from sharper minds to stronger hearts, and even cold-water dips to build immunity Credit: Getty Swimming lengths is effective for blood vessels, enhancing vascular function and increasing the flexibility of our arteries. And time in the pool has also been shown to up mental speed and cognitive sharpness, especially in older adults. Getting wet for half an hour two or three times weekly was optimal, according to Mosley, who also suggested trying a cold-water wild plunge to strengthen the immune system. BODY BALANCE: Being able to support your body weight by standing on one leg also enhances health. 8 The doctor advocated one-legged toothbrushing to boost balance, cut fall risk and help us stay active and independent as we age Credit: Getty Learning to balance without wobbles could aid longevity and reduce injury from falls – one of the most common reasons for declining health as people age. Better stability makes for a more productive life, as it is easier to do daily tasks. Overall bodily equilibrium and poise is a proven indicator of quality of life as we age. Tragic TV doc Michael Mosley's extreme science tests - swallowing tapeworm, shroom trip & food made from his own blood as show reveals heartbreaking fears Mastering the art of standing one-legged, in turn on left and right feet, while brushing your teeth is beneficial, said Mosley, who himself did it daily. PLANT POWER: Tending to house plants and getting out in the garden are both great for boosting wellness. 8 Dr Mosley promoted the power of nature – from houseplants to countryside walks, greenery helps ease stress, sharpen focus and lift mood Credit: Getty Studies show time in nature and around greenery can reduce stress, boost cognition and reduce anxiety. Fresh air is another wellness win. Smelling the trees, listening to the birds and appreciating the pattern of light passing through the leaves while in the countryside were all pastimes Mosley enjoyed himself. KEEP YOUR COOL: Cold temperatures aid wellness. Dr Mosley recommended that everybody should embrace the health benefits of feeling a chill. 8 The health expert also embraced the cold – from icy showers to cool homes – for better immunity, blood flow and protection against Type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty Alongside exercising in cool conditions, he promoted daily cold showers for immune system benefits and himself ended warm ones with a 30-second icy blast. Studies show this can cut muscle pain, increase immune cell production and boost circulation. He also advised keeping homes cool, and set his own thermostat at just 15 degrees. Dr Mosley's research showed this could improve blood-sugar metabolism and potentially protect against Type 2 diabetes. TURN THE PAGES: Reading each day can benefit both mind and body. 8 The late Dr Mosley championed daily reading to boost brain power – any book can help sharpen memory, focus and blood flow. Credit: Getty Mosley cited a study by America's Stanford University, where brain scans of people reading Jane Austen novels showed an increase in blood flow. This suggests the activity may improve memory and concentration. If you aren't a fan of Pride And Prejudice any book should have the same effect. TINNED TOMATOES: Getting your diet right is key. Dr Mosley showed with his own research that cooked tomatoes could be better for you than raw ones. 8 Dr Mosley's food tips included cooking tomatoes for more lycopene, plus stocking up on beetroot, garlic and oily fish to boost heart health and fight inflammation Credit: Getty An antioxidant called lycopene is released when they are warmed, which helps the body fight off cell-damaging chemicals called free radicals. He recommended filling your kitchen cupboards with tinned tomatoes to make dishes that could help heart health, bring skin benefits and possibly reduce cancer risks. Eating beetroot and garlic to lower blood pressure, and oily fish such as mackerel, to reduce inflammation, were among his other tips. TAKE A DEEP BREATH: Slowing breathing before bedtime could help you enjoy a better night's kip, reduce stress levels and boost relaxation. Dr Mosley practised a breathing exercise called 4-2-4 which he used when unable to kip. This entails breathing in for four seconds, holding the breath for two, then breathing out for another four. Long inhalation and exhalation slow down your heart rate and may help control chronic pain.
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
At-home ‘brain quiz' reveals your risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia and 3 types of cancer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN at-home 'brain quiz' can reveal your risk of dementia, as well stroke, heart disease and three common types of cancer. It suggests that taking better care of your brain could boost your overall health, researchers said. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Factors such as blood pressure, exercise and sleep can affect your risk of dementia, as well as heart disease and cancer Credit: Getty Developed at Mass General Brigham - a hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School - the McCance Brain Care Score (BCS) is a tool designed to assess modifiable risk factors that influence brain health. The quiz's 21 questions evaluate someone's physical health, lifestyle, as well as social and emotional factors. All together, these can pain a picture of someone's risk of brain diseases that come on with age. But researchers found the quiz could also shed light someone's risk of non-brain related diseases, such as heart disease or cancer. That's because neurological diseases such as stroke, dementia, and late-life depression, as well as cardiovascular diseases —including ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure —and cancers are often driven by the same risk factors. These include things like unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive drinking, high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Psycho-social factors like stress and social isolation are also drivers of disease. In fact, at least 80 per cent of cardiovascular disease cases and 50 per cent of cancer cases can be linked to these factors, researchers claimed. Senior author Sanjula Singh, of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, said: "While the McCance Brain Care Score was originally developed to address modifiable risk factors for brain diseases, we have also found it's associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and common cancers." 'These findings reinforce the idea that brain disease, heart disease, and cancer share common risk factors and that by taking better care of your brain, you may also be supporting the health of your heart and body as a whole simultaneously.' 10 second one leg stand test The quiz will generate a score of 0 to 21 - the higher your score, the more brain-healthy habits you practice. Researchers used data from the UK Biobank to analyse health outcomes in 416,370 people aged 40 to 69 years using the test. They found that a 5-point higher BCS score at baseline was associated with a 43 per cent lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease - including ischaemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure - over 12 and a half years. For cancer, a 5-point increase in BCS was associated with a 31 per cent lower rate of lung, bowel and breast cancer. How to do the quiz Before you take the test, you'll need some information from your health records, such as your latest blood pressure reading, you haemoglobin A1c score, your cholesterol levels and BMI. The test - available on the Mass General Brigham website - starts off by asking people about their blood pressure, cholesterol levels and BMI, as well as smoking, exercise and sleep habits. It also asks patients about social relationships - whether they're close to anyone outside of spouses and children - and if they feel that their "life has meaning". Once you've answered the questions, the quiz will generate a score between 0 and 21, and ways to improve your brain health. The aim is to achieve the highest score possible. The score will be made up of three categories – physical, lifestyle, and social-emotional health – and it measures what you are already doing to protect your brain and prolong your brain health. This can include exercise, sleep, social interactions, lowering blood pressure and more. "Your McCance Brian Care score is a tool you can use to measure and improve how well you care for your brain throughout your life," according to Mass General Brigham. "Small adjustments, like finding some time to walk more in your day or making it a priority to call your best friend, can have a major improvement on your overall score and brain health over time. "Achieving your highest score and keeping your highest score month after month, year after year, will ensure you are taking the best care of your brain as you grow and thrive." Study authors said that previous research suggests that some individual components of the BCS quiz - such as smoking, lack of exercise and high blood pressure - can raise the risk of dementia or heart disease. But they said that their study can't prove that the BSC components can cause disease - only that they are strongly linked. Researchers also noted that the quiz can't be used to predict whether someone will get a specific disease. Instead, it can serve as a framework to help people identify achievable lifestyle changes that support the health of their brain, as well as the rest of their body. Lead author Jasper Senff said: 'The goal of the McCance Brain Care Score is to empower individuals to take small, meaningful steps toward better brain health. 'Taking better care of your brain by making progress on your Brain Care Score may also be linked to broader health benefits, including a lower likelihood of heart disease and cancer. 'Primary care providers around the world are under growing pressure to manage complex health needs within limited time," he went on. 'A simple, easy-to-use tool like the McCance Brain Care Score holds enormous promise - not only for supporting brain health, but also for helping to address modifiable risk factors for a broader range of chronic diseases in a practical, time-efficient way.'
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The ‘golden dose' of Mounjaro that experts warn could be deadly – as slimmers rave about it saving money
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GROWING number of slimmers are trying to squeeze extra jabs out of empty Mounjaro pens in a risky bid to cut costs. The weight-loss injections, which can cost hundreds of pounds a month, are designed to deliver a fixed amount once a week, typically over four weeks. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Experts have warned against trying to get an extra dose from the weight-loss pens Credit: Getty But online users claim there's still a small amount of drug left after the final shot. They say the 'fifth' dose can be drawn out with a syringe for a bonus jab, dubbed the 'golden dose'. One TikTok user claimed the trick saved her a fortune. By getting five jabs from a four-dose pen, users reckon they can claw back £615 a year. The reports come after NHS England said only a small number of people will be able to get Mounjaro from their GP. It means most people will still have to pay for it privately. 'The drugs are expensive but weight loss is strongly desired, so as a commodity, these drugs are hotly sought-after,' said Professor Naveed Sattar, a cardiologist and obesity expert at the University of Glasgow, said. 'It's no surprise people are going to such extraordinary lengths," she told the inews. Medics say the DIY hack is dangerous and could lead to infection, overdose or death. "People are reading these tips on online forums and being tempted to use them to save money," said Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert at King's College London. Women taking fat jabs need 'effective contraception' - as health chiefs warn of serious harm to unborn babies "But they're risking serious side effects from overdosing by doing this - as well as the potential to develop a life-threatening infection. "The potential to develop a life-threatening infection. It's not a good idea at all," she told MailOnline. Talk of the so-called 'golden dose' is also spreading on Reddit weight-loss forums. In one thread with more than 50 comments, a user wrote: "After four pumps of your uk injection pen they tell you to throw it away. "But there is an extra dose or thereabouts in the pen you can self inject with an insulin needle." Another replied saying: "Known much more on here as the fifth dose." 2 There's also the danger of taking too much Mounjaro, experts warn Credit: Alamy Slimmers have also taken to TikTok to rave about the 'discovery'. In one video, a nurse demonstrates how to use a needle to extract leftover medicine from the pen. She wrote: "I do not condone or encourage anybody to take their golden dose this is just what I am doing." Huge risks Professor Penny warned that this practice can be dangerous for "several" reasons. "These injections contain a slight overfill to ensure the full recommended dose is delivered each time," she said. "But by drawing this out with a separate syringe and using it as a so-called fifth dose, you're exposing yourself to serious risk of infection.' Once the pen has been used, it's no longer sterile, meaning any leftover liquid could be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Injecting it could lead to abscesses or, in extreme cases, life-threatening sepsis. The bigger the dose, the bigger the risk of pancreatitis Professor Penny Ward There's also the danger of taking too much. 'If you're using your own syringe, it's difficult to measure the correct amount - you may end up taking more than intended,' she warned. Overdosing on the jab can trigger nasty side effects like vomiting and diarrhoea, or in rare cases, pancreatitis - a serious and painful condition that may need hospital treatment. Around one in five cases result in serious complications, with up to 30 per cent proving fatal. The risk rises sharply with higher doses, as the drug can trigger digestive enzymes that begin attacking the pancreas itself. Symptoms include sudden, severe tummy pain, often spreading to the back, along with fever, nausea and a racing heartbeat. "The bigger the dose, the bigger the risk of pancreatitis," Professor Ward warned. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. Mounjaro - dubbed the "King Kong" of weight loss jabs - works by mimicking hormones released by the body when you're full. This makes people feel fuller for longer and therefore less hungry. It appears to be to be more potent than Wegovy - another popular weight loss jab - causing about 20 per cent weight loss after a year's use, compared with Wegovy's 15 per cent. Mounjaro's active ingredient is tirzepatide, a lab-made compound that mimics two gut hormones - GLP-1 and GIP - which help control blood sugar and appetite. This is why it was initially approved to treat diabetes type 2, which happens when people can't control their blood sugar. But in December 2024, it was also cleared for use on the NHS for weight loss in people with a BMI of over 30, or over 27 plus one weight-related condition. 'Excess solution' should be 'discarded' If you notice there is a considerable amount of medication left in your pen after the last dose, Professor Penny added, it may mean that you're not using the injection properly. "Speak to your pharmacist about your technique, or check that you definitely have the right size syringe, as this can impact the amount of medication left over," she said. A spokesperson for Lilly - the drug's manufacturer - said users should not do this, as the remaining liquid may not be a full dose. 'It is important to note that there will be a residual amount of medicine left after the fourth dose," they said. "This does not correspond to a full dose." 'Any excess solution in the pen after use should be discarded.' Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, added: "Medicines are approved according to strict dosage guidelines. "Failure to adhere with these guidelines, such as tampering with pre-dosed injection pens, could harm your health or cause personal injury. "People should follow the dosing directions provided by their healthcare provider when prescribed weight-loss medicines and use as directed in the patient information leaflet."
