Camembert recalled over bug fears

The cheese was imported from France

A type of Camembert cheese has been removed from sale over concerns it may be contaminated with the bacterium E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.

The Food Standards Agency said the products did not comply with the Food Safety Act, and presented a potential health risk if eaten.

The affected products were manufactured in France by Laiterie Fromagerie du Val d'Ay-Etablissement Reaux.

Waitrose is among the UK retailers who stock the cheese.

People should not eat this cheese Food Standards Agency

The cheese is believed to have been contaminated with a form of E. coli known as 026.

This is just as dangerous as the notorious 0157 version that can cause fatal food poisoning in children and the elderly.

Common symptoms of E. coli infection include bloody diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Complications can include kidney failure, severe anaemia and neurological problems.

In a statement, the FSA stressed: "People should not eat this cheese."

The products were imported to the UK by Anthony Rowcliffe and Son Ltd, and supplied to a string of UK shops, many of which are small independent specialist cheese traders.

Three products

The company has contacted all relevant retailers and arranging for notices to go up in-store.

Three types of cheese are subject to the recall:

• 250g packs of Reaux's Gaslonde Camembert

• 250g packs of Camembert de Normandie Th.Reaux

• 1kg blocks of Reaux's Gaslonde Camembert which is normally sold over the cheese counter

Waitrose said the cheeses had been recalled after "unsatisfactory" microbiological test results at the French dairy responsible for their production.

A spokesman said no other cheeses at the supermarket have been affected.

"Waitrose has the highest standards of customer safety and we took action as soon as we were notified of a potential issue by our supplier."