Nearly 200 people have fallen ill and after suffering salmonella poisoning linked to pork scratchings.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), some snacks made by Tayto Group at its factory in Bolton have been linked to an outbreak which has left 176 people suffering vomiting, diarrhoea and fevers between September 2020 and the present date.
A selection of Mr Porky, Jay’s, and The Real Pork Crackling Company products have now been recalled and withdrawn from sale by several supermarkets and the company itself.
Production has also been halted.
Public Health England (PHE) confirmed to the BBC that 12 people have been hospitalised after consuming the snacks.
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We are issuing advice to consumers not to eat several pork scratching products linked to salmonella poisoning.
In a recall alert, the FSA issued further details about the snacks, which have best before dates up to and including 19 February 2022, and Tina Potter – Head of Incidents at the FSA – said it was “really important that consumers follow this advice to avoid the risk of becoming ill with salmonella poisoning”.
She added: “The food business involved has voluntarily suspended its production to put additional controls in place to improve the safety of their products.
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“They have decided on a voluntary basis to withdraw and recall all of the products within shelf-life produced at this site.”
Some snacks made by Tayto Group at its factory in Bolton have been linked to an outbreak / Credit: Google Maps
Dr Lesley Larkin, of the gastrointestinal pathogens unit at PHE, said: “We have established a link between the 176 cases based on the analysis of data obtained through whole genome sequencing and epidemiological investigations.
“These investigations, together with those carried out by local authorities, have indicated the source of infection is pork scratchings produced by a single company in the UK.
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“The Food Standards Agency has acted on these findings to mitigate any further risk to public health from the contaminated food.”
A spokesperson for Tayto Group Ltd – which operates from six sites across the UK manufacturing a range of products including pork scratchings, crisps, and popcorn – told the BBC: “The safety of our products is of the utmost importance, which is why we have taken the decision to initiate a precautionary recall for some products.
“We are working closely with the local environmental health team and the FSA at this time.”
Featured Image – Mr Porky
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
The Manc -
26th August 2021 
