Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) has been detected in several batches of gouda cheese produced by Kilshanny Farmhouse Cheese using raw milk. The company has been ordered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to withhold placing any further batches on the market. Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated cheese.
Nature Of Danger:
VTEC may cause severe bloody diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, although sometimes the infection causes non-bloody diarrhoea or no symptoms. In some groups, particularly children under 5 years of age and the elderly, the infection can also cause a complication called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS).
Action Required:
Inspectors:
Relevant PEHOs will be contacted directly if follow up action is required.
Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers:
Food businesses who have been selling the implicated gouda cheese are requested to remove them from sale and clearly display a point of sale notice informing customers not to eat it.
Consumers:
Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated cheese.
