Mrs Kirkham's cheese says tests show no trace of E. coli

Four types of Mrs Kirkham's cheese were recalled on Christmas Eve

A cheese producer that recalled products after a possible E. coli risk has said tests on 60 batches have shown no evidence of the bacteria.

Four types of Mrs Kirkham's cheese were withdrawn in December as part of an investigation into cases involving a lesser-known strain of E. coli.

The Lancashire-based company said it had undergone a full dairy inspection.

An investigation to identify the cause of the outbreak by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) continues.

In a statement, Mrs Kirkham's said the Preston company "closely follow controls to eliminate pathogen contamination and growth".

It said: "We sell over 70,000 kg of raw-milk Lancashire cheese each year, each cheese being made following a historic cheese recipe that is well established and widely used.

"Our product has always been tested following our microbiological testing schedule, to ensure it complies with all UK regulations on general E.coli numbers and that it meets FSA and industry requirements.

"Of the 31 people infected since August, only eight said they had eaten Kirkham's cheese, and of these eight, seven of them had a mixed cheese and charcuterie plate served by a third party.

"This investigation by the FSA is far from concluded and may take months."

The FSA warned the public not to eat four cheeses:

• Mrs Kirkham's Mild & Creamy Lancashire

• Mrs Kirkham's Tasty Lancashire

• Mrs Kirkham's Mature Lancashire

• Mrs Kirkham's Smoked Lancashire

Anyone who bought the cheese was told to follow advice and recall notices.

It urged anyone who bought the cheeses to refrain from eating the product, thoroughly clean any surfaces, utensils and equipment it may have touched and make sure that fridges are kept at 5°C or below to "limit the growth of any harmful bacteria".

The business did a product withdrawal and recall at the time of the alert.