Scotland's food agency recalls more cheese after E.coli death of three-year-old girl

Authorities in Scotland have mounted an investigation following the death of a three-year-old girl during an E.coli outbreak linked to a brand of blue cheese.

Also on Saturday, Scotland's food agency has called for a further batch of cheese to be withdrawn over E.coli fears.

The girl, who died earlier this month, was among 20 confirmed cases of infection with E.coli O157.

A Crown Office spokesman said: "The Procurator Fiscal has received a report in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl in Dunbartonshire on 2 September 2016.

"The investigation into the death, under the direction of Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU), is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments."

Those affected in the outbreak had consumed a cheese called Dunsyre Blue, made by Lanarkshire-based Errington Cheese, before they became unwell, according to Health Protection Scotland (HPS).

Of the 20 cases identified, 11 required hospital treatment.

In July, two batches of Dunsyre Blue were voluntarily recalled and earlier this week a third was taken off the market as a "precautionary" measure.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has now said a sample from a batch of Lanark White, also made by Errington Cheese, has tested positive for E. coli O157.

Errington Cheese has maintained there is no conclusive evidence linking its products to the outbreak.

E.coli O157 infection can occur after eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with the faeces from infected animals, or from contact with animals or their environments.