The Scotland Food Standards Agency announced that products of Hebridean Blue Cheese under the Isle of Mull Cheese brand carry a risk of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria. This bacteria can lead to serious food poisoning as well as life-threatening kidney problems.STEC bacteria is highly contagious. Symptoms of infection include vomiting, fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea that can last up to two weeks.STEC bacteria can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure in up to 15% of cases. This condition is at a higher risk, especially in children under five years old. Moreover, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems can also be affected by this infection.According to a report in the Daily Mail, officials stated that all package sizes of Hebridean Blue Cheese products under the Isle of Mull Cheese brand with a best-before date of April 10, 2025, and batch code 8051224 are at risk of dangerous bacteria. Customers who have purchased the product were advised not to consume it and to return it to the store for a refund. The company confirmed that no pathogens were found in the recalled cheeses.E. coli (STEC) refers to E. coli strains that produce a harmful toxin called Shiga toxin. This toxin can cause various diseases by damaging the lining of the intestines.STEC infections usually manifest with the following symptoms:

Severe abdominal pain
Watery or bloody diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Fever is usually mild and may be absent in some cases.

Symptoms typically appear 1 to 10 days after consuming contaminated food or water and can last for 5 to 10 days. STEC bacteria usually spread from the following sources:

Raw or undercooked meats, especially beef
Unpasteurized milk and dairy products
Contaminated water
Vegetables grown in unhygienic conditions

It can also spread through direct contact with the feces of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. COMPLICATIONS

STEC infections can lead to serious complications in some cases:

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): It can cause kidney failure, anemia, and low platelet count.
Hemorrhagic colitis: Severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea can occur.
These complications are especially common in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.