E.coli inquiry butchers reopens

Investigations continue into the cause of the outbreak at Todd's

A Leeds butchers has reopened after it was closed down because of an outbreak of E.coli food poisoning.

Todd's Pork and Beef Butchers in Kirkgate Market began trading again on Thursday following a review of food safety practices by the city council.

The stall will not be selling any products from its premises in Armley - thought to be the source of the outbreak - which remains closed.

So far 34 people have been affected since the outbreak began on 23 June.

A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said the Kirkgate Market stall had been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and staff had received training in cleansing, food storage and food handling.

Environmental swabs taken from the market stall for analysis did not show any presence of the E.coli 0157 bacteria.

Legal action

The council's chief environmental officer Helen Freeman said: "The investigation into the source of the E.coli 0157 outbreak is ongoing and we will advise on the outcome of this investigation in due course.

"Until the investigation is completed no decision will be made on what legal action will be taken by the council.

"A great deal of work has been undertaken at the market premises to ensure that food sold there does not constitute a risk to the public and we will continue to monitor the premises to ensure safety is maintained."

The work had been done with the full cooperation of Todd's Pork and Beef Butchers, she added.