Bacteria & contamination
E. coli (STEC/VTEC): risks and product recalls in Ireland
Most E. coli are harmless, but Shiga toxin–producing strains (STEC/VTEC) can cause severe illness and, in children, kidney failure.
What it is
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium that normally lives harmlessly in the gut. Some strains — Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, known as STEC or VTEC — produce a toxin that can cause serious illness. Ireland has one of the highest reported rates of STEC in Europe.
Health effects
STEC can cause severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea that is often bloody. In a minority of cases, especially in young children, it leads to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) — a serious condition that can cause kidney failure and can be life-threatening.
How it leads to a recall
Recalls follow detection of STEC/VTEC in testing or links to illness. Common sources include undercooked beef and mince, unpasteurised milk and cheese, contaminated fruit, vegetables and salad leaves, and contaminated water.
What to do
Do not eat an affected product — return it for a refund. See your GP urgently if you have bloody diarrhoea, and seek immediate care for a child who becomes very unwell, passes little urine, or looks pale — these can be signs of HUS. Antibiotics are generally not recommended for STEC.
Recent E. coli (STEC/VTEC) recalls
1 recall we track mention e. coli (stec/vtec), newest first.
De Bonte Weide raw goat milk kefir recalled due to E. coli (STEC)
A batch of De Bonte Weide raw goat milk Kefir is being recalled due to the presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. This bacteria can cause severe illness, including abdominal cramps and diarrhea. The affected product has a best-before date of 14/09/2026.
Official sources
This page is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the official recall notice, and contact your GP, pharmacist or the HSE if you are worried about your health. In an emergency call 112 or 999.