Fieldfisher, a leading legal firm, has begun legal proceedings against Tesco and Asda on behalf of two individuals who fell seriously ill due to an E. coli outbreak linked to the supermarkets’ own-brand sandwiches. The outbreak, which has already resulted in one death and multiple hospitalizations, has been traced back to contaminated salad leaves found in pre-packaged sandwiches.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that the E. coli strain responsible for this outbreak is Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O145. This strain is particularly dangerous, leading to severe gastrointestinal distress and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions like haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which affects the kidneys. As of June 11, there have been 211 confirmed cases across the UK, with 147 in England, 27 in Wales, 35 in Scotland, and 2 in Northern Ireland .
Fieldfisher has issued letters of claim under the Consumer Protection Act to both Tesco and Asda. The legal action represents a man from the South East and an 11-year-old girl from the North West. The girl, who consumed a chicken salad sandwich from Asda, developed HUS and has been undergoing dialysis for three weeks. The man, who frequently bought sandwiches from Tesco, was hospitalized with severe E. coli symptoms but did not develop HUS.
Tesco and Asda have both stated they have not yet received the letters of claim from Fieldfisher but will review them urgently upon receipt. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have already issued recall notices for various products potentially contaminated with E. coli. These products include sandwiches, wraps, and salads sold at several major retailers including Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Boots, Co-op, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s.
The UKHSA advises the public to maintain rigorous hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food. They also recommend thoroughly washing and cooking all fruits and vegetables. People experiencing symptoms like bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, or vomiting should seek medical advice promptly.
The number of new cases reported has been declining since early June, suggesting that the outbreak may be under control. However, investigations are ongoing to pinpoint the exact source and prevent future occurrences. The FSA continues to work with food businesses and local authorities to ensure all necessary precautions are in place.
This legal action underscores the critical importance of food safety and the responsibilities of food retailers to ensure their products are safe for consumption. The outcomes of these claims could lead to significant changes in how food safety is managed and regulated in the UK.
