PHE advises shoppers to wash salad before consumption

Public Health England (PHE) has released a statement advising shoppers in England to thoroughly wash mixed said leaves, after concerns that the food could be the source of E.coli outbreak.

The infection which causes bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain, has infected over 150 people in the UK and has killed two.

PHE has claimed the strain involved is likely to be imported, possibly from the Mediterranean area.

So far it has been informed of 151 cases - 144 people in England, six in Wales and one in Scotland.

PHE has also released guidance on how to avoid becoming infected with E.coli. It advises people to wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet, before and after handling food, and after handling animals; remove any loose soil before storing vegetables and salads; wash all vegetables and fruits that will be eaten raw; store and prepare raw meat and unwashed vegetables away from ready-to-eat foods; do not prepare raw vegetables with utensils that have also been used for raw meat; cook all minced meat products, such as burgers and meatballs, thoroughly; and that people who have been ill should not prepare food for others for at least 48 hours after they have recovered.

Dr Isobel Oliver from PHE, said: "All food sample results to date have been negative for E. coli O157 - but it's important to be aware that where food has been contaminated with E. coli O157, it is not always possible to identify the bacteria on food testing.

"As an additional precautionary measure, we have advised a small number of wholesalers to cease adding some imported rocket leaves to their mixed salad products pending further investigations."

A spokeswoman for Health Protection Scotland said: "We are supporting Public Health England and working with them on this issue.

"We would encourage people to follow the advice that has been issued."