The Italian Ministry of Health has issued a food alert for a specific batch of cheese due to the potential presence of Escherichia coli STEC (a Shiga toxin-producing bacterium). This bacterium was identified by the manufacturer in a batch of cheese which may have come into contact with the cheese currently subject to recall. As a precautionary measure, health authorities advise purchasers of the product affected by the recall not to consume the packages and to return them to the manufacturer. STEC infection can cause severe abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting. While the disease typically has a benign course, it can have serious consequences if it affects individuals with underlying vulnerabilities. The prevention of STEC infections requires the implementation of effective hygiene practices, including proper hand hygiene, the cooking of food items that may be contaminated, and the thorough washing of fruits and vegetables before consumption.
Italian cheese withdrawn for E-coli alert
Type of event:
Biological agent spread or incident, Food Alert, Public Health
November 11, 2024