National Outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 Phage Type 21/28 in Scotland (July-September 2016)

This Incident Management Team (IMT) report presents the investigations and conclusions in relation to an outbreak of E. coli O157 PT21/28 in the summer of 2016. A total of 26 cases were identified in this outbreak, which occurred in two phases, firstly in July and then again in September.

The multi-agency IMT met 11 times between 22 July and 5 September to investigate and manage an outbreak of 20 laboratory confirmed cases of E. coli O157 PT21/28 infection with the same unique molecular profile, with onset dates between 2 July and 29 July.

The IMT concluded that the source of the outbreak was consumption of an unpasteurised cows’ milk cheese, Dunsyre Blue, and a voluntary recall of the suspected batches was undertaken by the food business on 29 July.