Greencore and Samworth Brothers have recalled sandwiches and wraps in the UK due to a possible link to an E. coli outbreak of more than 200 cases.
Dozens of SKUs have been recalled between the two manufacturers, two of the largest suppliers of sandwiches, wraps and pre-packed salads to UK supermarkets.
Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the UK Food Standards Agency, said manufacturers were “taking a precautionary measure” after investigations carried out by food-safety officials into an outbreak of E. coli STEC O145 across the country.
“This is a complex investigation and we have worked swiftly with the relevant businesses and the local authorities concerned to narrow down the wide range of foods consumed to a small number of salad leaf products that have been used in sandwiches, wraps, subs and rolls,” Whitby said.
The recall covers sandwiches, wraps and salads sold under the private labels of the UK’s largest grocers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons.
As of 11 June, the number of confirmed cases of STEC O145 stood at 211, with 147 in England, data released by the FSA showed.
Based on information from 160 cases, 42% of people were admitted to hospital, the agency said.
In a statement, Greencore said: “As a precautionary measure, we have voluntarily recalled a number of sandwiches and wraps due to a potential food safety risk.
“Greencore adheres to the highest standards of food safety, and we are working closely with the Food Standards Agency and our suppliers to better understand the possible source of any potential issue.”
The publicly listed business declined to comment further.
Privately-owned Samworth underlined that E. coli had not been detected in the products the company has recalled.
A statement from the company read: “The Food Standards Agency has advised the supplier of a salad ingredient which we use in a small number of products that it should undertake a product withdrawal and recall.
“Meanwhile, food chain investigations are being carried out, which have not yet reached any conclusions. A small number of sandwich and wrap lines that are made at our Manton Wood site are being recalled as a precautionary measure to ensure a high level of health protection for consumers. No other Manton Wood products are affected.”
