Five cheeses recalled over Christmas E. coli fears

People have been urged to check their Christmas cheeseboards after the food safety watchdog warned of a possible E. coli risk linked to two manufacturers.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recalled items by Mrs Kirkham's on Sunday, and a further cheese by Route des Terroirs on Christmas Day.

The varieties affected include Mrs Kirkham's Creamy Lancashire and Route des Terroirs's Morbier Maison Monts & Terroirs Chalet De Vevy.

Affected customers can claim a refund.

The full list of affected cheeses are:

The FSA said as well as being sold off the shelf, Mrs Kirkham's cheeses "may have been provided as part of a hamper you've purchased or been gifted", and have "been sold as part of a charcutier grazing platter".

"It may not always be clear whether you have purchased an affected product," the watchdog said.

The company's website lists Waitrose and Booths as stockists of its products, as well as a number of smaller outlets.

Talking about both manufacturers, the FSA explained: "The products listed above might be contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, (STEC).

"Symptoms caused by this organism can be similar to flu and include high temperature, muscle ache or pain, chills, feeling or being sick and diarrhoea.

"However, in rare cases, the infection can be more severe, causing serious complications, such as meningitis."

Customers who have purchased the products should ensure they are fully wrapped and not in contact with other foods, the FSA said.

The agency continued: "Wash your hands, equipment, utensils and surfaces that may have come into contact with the product thoroughly."

Any product on the recall list can be returned to where it was bought from for a full refund.

Point of sale notices will be displayed where the products were sold explaining why they have been recalled and what to do if they have been purchased.