North East E.coli outbreak - cold meat warning

"The source of this outbreak is not yet known. However, several of the affected people are known to have eaten cooked meat products bought or supplied by Robinson’s butcher shops in either Wingate or Billingham. Although our investigation is at a very early stage, as a precautionary measure we are advising anyone who has bought cooked meats or savouries from Robinson’s butchers in Wingate or Billingham since 25 June, and still has them in their fridge or freezer, not to eat them and to throw them out immediately. The owner and staff of Robinson’s butchers and caterers are co-operating fully with the investigation and have agreed to discard all ready to eat food from both premises while the investigation continues. They have also agreed to carry out a deep clean of both premises and reinforce good hygiene practices. E.coli O157 infection can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhoea and more rarely kidney failure in children. Anyone who has eaten cooked meats bought since 25 June from Robinson’s butchers and feels unwell should contact their GP in the usual way."