UKHSA reports one person has died following E. coli outbreak linked to pre-packaged sandwich products

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated in a briefing on Thursday 27 June 2024 that two people in England died within 28 days of infection, however, only one is likely linked to their Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection. 

Some strains of E. coli such as STEC can cause severe illness and result in hospitalisation. Almost 50% of cases linked to the current outbreak have resulted in hospitalisation.  

The potential outbreak was first identified on 22 May 2024 following routine surveillance by UKSHA, with a national incident declared two days later. Within a month, there were 275 confirmed cases reported, with the most affected age group being 20- to 29-year-olds (30%).  

Products which were believed to be infected were immediately recalled following the identification of the outbreak. At least 60 types of pre-packed sandwich, wraps and salad products were recalled from retailers such as Aldi, Asda, Co-op, and Morrisons, the BBC reports.  

Some of the reported symptoms include: 

• Diarrhoea  
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea  
• Vomiting  
• Fever 

Food poisoning can have extremely serious consequences and can be far more dangerous than people realise. It can lead to complications including Guillain-Barré syndrome which can arise when the body’s immune system attacks the body’s central nervous system instead of food poisoning bacterium. 

Leigh Day food safety solicitors Angela Bruno and Andrew Jackson  recently settled a claim on behalf of Philip Earlam, who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome after consuming chicken liver parfait. Mr Earlam was left with life changing injuries. 

Leigh Day’s food safety team is headed by partner Michelle Victor, who has represented many clients who have suffered severe food poisoning symptoms. 

Michelle and her team pursued legal action against a leading food company on behalf of a family whose children were hospitalised following the ingestion of sauce contaminated with botulinum bacteria, causing botulism which is a rare but life-threatening condition. Two of the children were left with debilitating life-changing injuries.  

The team also represented Emma and Stuart Seaton who along with 30 of their wedding guests became severely unwell with food poisoning likely due to eating chicken liver pâté at their wedding reception, ruining their honeymoon and memories of their wedding. 

Michelle Victor said: 

“The outbreak of this particular strain of E. coli is extremely serious and it is deeply concerning that it has led to nearly 50% of cases needing hospitalisation, and now also one death. My team and I have investigated many serious food poisoning cases and I hope that the UKHSA’s ongoing investigation can prevent more people from infection and uncover any staps that need to be taken to ensure something like this does not happen again. It is vital that food agencies and supermarket chains work together to ensure that the public’s health is at the forefront of all that they do.” 

Anyone who thinks they have been affected by the recent outbreak can contact the Leigh Day food safety team at

mvictor@leighday.co.uk