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A Yorkshire dairy is recalling its products after 18 people across the country fell ill with E.coli.
According to reports, nine of the 18 people are confirmed to have consumed Darwin’s Dairy products.
Barnsley Council and Public Health England have released a statement saying there is potentially a link between the outbreak and the pasteurization process at the dairy – though the dairy says tests have come back clear so far.
‘Precautionary measure’
“As a precautionary measure, we have advised Darwin’s Dairy to recall all milk, (whole milk, skimmed and semi-skimmed) and cream products currently in circulation,” Julia Burrows, Director of Public Health at Barnsley Council and Dr. Nachi Arunachalam, of PHE, said in a statement.
“This became necessary after a potential processing problem was identified with the pasteurization process that could have affected some milk and cream products that could still be stored in people’s fridges.
“The dairy is co-operating fully with our advice. If you have bought these products, do not eat or drink them but dispose of them. Environmental Health Officers visited the dairy after Public Health England Yorkshire and the Humber became aware of an increase in E.coli cases in South Yorkshire, though it is important to be aware that the dairy has not been confirmed as the source of the outbreak at this stage.”
‘Deeply upset and frustrated’
Ben Darwin, who runs the dairy, took to Facebook to discuss the issue – saying he was ‘deeply upset and frustrated’ that the statement above was released despite two tests coming back clear so far. He is waiting on the results of a third.
“I would like to clarify that there is no confirmed link or evidence with the health issues highlighted in the council’s statement, it’s pure speculation and I am deeply upset and frustrated that such a statement can be released without sufficient evidence,” he wrote.
“We strive to supply our loyal customers with a quality local product that is regularly tested to the highest standards required.”
