How worried should you be about E.coli right now?

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the FSA, said the recalls were a “precautionary measure”, and added: “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 and wraps.” Experts say the E.coli bacteria, which is commonly found in the gut and faeces of many animals – particularly cows – and humans, is usually harmless, but occasionally it can cause symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever, lasting anywhere from one to 14 days. “But just occasionally you do get a strain that has a genetic determinant that can cause harm.” He says cooking food and taking care to stay away from animal poo usually protects us from harmful E.coli, but occasionally some gets through our defences, as has happened in the current outbreak, which he says the FSA have done a “superb job” of managing. “History tells us that 99.99% of these things are totally harmless – you’ve got more chance of being run over by a bus than being killed by E.coli.” However, Dr Babak Ashrafi, a Superdrug Online Doctor, says the recent outbreak is a “significant public health concern”, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. He says: “While there’s no need to panic, as public health authorities have taken swift action, issuing alerts and recalling potentially contaminated products, it’s important that people stay informed, are extra-cautious with regard to food handling, and remain vigilant for any symptoms over the coming weeks.” Ashrafi explains that this particular strain of E-coli produces the Shiga toxin, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as intense abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting, usually within two to eight days of exposure.