The Scottish Food Standards Agency has announced that Hebridean Blue Cheese products under the Isle of Mull Cheese brand pose a risk of carrying the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria. This bacteria can lead to serious food poisoning as well as life-threatening kidney problems.STEC bacteria are extremely contagious. Infection symptoms 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 poses a higher risk especially in children under the age of five. Additionally, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems can also be affected by this infection.Officials have announced 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 bacterial contamination.Customers who have purchased the product are advised not to consume it and to return it to the store of purchase for a refund. The company confirmed that no pathogens were found in the recalled cheeses.E. coli (STEC) refers to strains of E. coli that produce a harmful toxin called Shiga toxin. This toxin can cause various diseases by damaging the lining of the intestines.​STEC infections generally present themselves with the following symptoms:

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

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 10 days after consuming contaminated food or water and can last for 5 to 10 days.STEС bacteria can generally be transmitted through the following sources:​

Raw or undercooked meats, especially beef​
Unpasteurized milk and dairy products​
Contaminated water​
Vegetables grown in unhygienic conditions​
It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals’ feces or contaminated surfaces.​COMPLICATIONS

STEC infections can sometimes lead to serious complications:​
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): Can cause kidney failure, anemia, and low platelet count.​
Hemorrhagic colitis: Severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea may occur.
These complications are particularly common in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.​