Cafe link in E.coli investigation

Sliced cold meat has been taken off the shelves at both stores

Meat suspected to have caused an E.coli outbreak which resulted in a death had been supplied to Morrisons cafes and staff canteens, it has emerged.

The outbreak, which caused the death of a 66-year-old woman and affected another seven people, has been linked to two of the firm's stores in Paisley.

The meat was also being sold in cafes and canteens within the Lonend and Falside Road stores.

The Lonend store also supplied meat for some pre-packed sandwiches.

Medical experts have said no new cases of E.coli O157 have been recorded.

Other cases

Morrisons is understood to have 12 meat suppliers which remain under investigation.

As part of its investigation, the Outbreak Control Team have been looking at other recent E.coli cases identified in both Scotland and England, although none have been linked to this outbreak.

The Lonend store supplied meat for pre-packed sandwiches

The 66-year-old woman's husband is still seriously ill in hospital after contracting the infection.

Two others are receiving medical care, while the rest of those infected are recovering at home.

The latest case involved a 70-year-old Paisley woman who took ill while on holiday in Ireland.

She had eaten cooked meat bought from the deli counter at Morrisons two weeks ago.

Officials have taken extensive samples and swabs from two stores in Paisley which have been sent to labs for analysis.

They are also interviewing all Morrisons staff who may have had contact with the two delicatessen counters where the meat was bought.

Detailed information

A Morrisons spokesman said: "We continue to work closely with the relevant authorities at all levels and are focusing all our effort and resources on helping to identify a possible source of the outbreak of E.coli 0157 in the Paisley area, which is still being investigated.

"Investigations have continued today and we have provided the authorities with further detailed information about the sale and use of sliced cooked meat products sold at the two Paisley stores.

"No other products or Morrisons stores are involved in this investigation."

Sliced cold meats have been withdrawn from sale at the deli counters at the two stores and people are being advised not to eat any meats that have been purchased.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are due to meet again on Friday to review the situation.