Popular Scottish Cheese Contaminated with Bacteria
Health Warning and Sample Recall
Food Standards Scotland recently issued a warning against consuming a popular type of blue cheese due to concerns that some packages may be contaminated with deadly bacteria. The agency explained that the cheese may contain E. coli, which can cause severe food poisoning and serious kidney problems.
According to local media, symptoms of infection with this bacteria include vomiting, fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, which can last up to two weeks in approximately 15% of cases. The infection can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that leads to kidney failure. Children under the age of five are most at risk, along with the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
Scottish Cheese Contaminated with Bacteria
The warning includes all sizes of the cheese mentioned in the warning. Customers who purchased this product have been advised not to eat it and to return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
It is worth noting that there are several types of blue cheese, which are typically expensive.
Local media reported a statement from the manufacturer of the cheese affected by the warning, which confirmed that "the majority of cheeses in the world are made from raw milk, a nutrient that has been used to preserve foods for hundreds or even thousands of years. Producing cheese from raw milk is a difficult process, and the cheese in question had passed normal inspections without any pathogens being detected in laboratory tests. However, we confirm that cooking the cheese completely eliminates any possibility of infection. We have recalled all quantities for further testing."
Recall of Products
This warning comes after a series of product recalls due to contamination with E. coli bacteria. Last year, more than 100 Britons became ill with the bacteria in just two weeks, with it later revealed that contaminated lettuce in sandwiches was the culprit. Experts reported that the texture of lettuce makes it more susceptible to contamination with E. coli bacteria through water contaminated with infected animal waste. This contamination has led to seven cases of infection and one death. People who show symptoms of E. coli infection, or who experience any signs of their children being infected, are advised to contact emergency medical services or see their doctor.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a type of cheese with a strong, distinctive flavor. It is known as blue cheese because it has blue streaks on its inside. These streaks appear because this type of cheese is prepared by adding Penicillium fungus during processing.
Blue cheese is known for its strong smell and distinctive flavor. Although most people have tried it, many are unaware of how it is made, its benefits, and whether it can spoil. What distinguishes blue cheese is that it is made using Penicillium, a type of mold. Certain types of mold produce compounds called mycotoxins, which are generally toxic to humans.
Unlike these types of mold, the Penicillium species used in blue cheese production do not produce toxins and are considered safe for human consumption. Penicillium is responsible for the distinctive taste and aroma of blue cheese, along with its distinctive blue and green veins and spots.
A Type of Healthy Cheese
Nutritionally, blue cheese is considered a healthy type of cheese when consumed in moderate amounts. However, blue cheese is high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, so it should not be consumed in excess.
According to nutrition experts, if you notice any signs of spoilage on your blue cheese, you should discard it immediately. White, green, pink, or gray spots growing on the surface of blue cheese may indicate that it is no longer usable.
In addition, blue cheese may have spoiled if it emits a strong odor similar to ammonia. Eating spoiled blue cheese can cause food poisoning, which causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
