Chartered Surveyor Also Diagnosed With Guillain-Barre Syndrome And Suffers Ongoing Serious Health Issues

A chartered surveyor diagnosed with E.coli after eating a sandwich which has now been recalled has called on lawyers to investigate.

John Daniels, from Macclesfield, Cheshire, bought a chicken and bacon Caesar wrap from a Manchester Boots branch on 11 May – his birthday.

Within two days, John began to feel unwell, complaining of stomach pain.  He went on to develop severe diarrhoea and began passing blood.

Sixty-six year old diagnosed with E.Coli following hospital admission

John, 66, was admitted to hospital on 19 May.  He was diagnosed with E.coli the following day and discharged home on 22 May.

Five days later he returned to hospital, reporting feeling dizzy and weak, and unable to walk unaided.  He was subsequently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome – a serious condition that affects the nervous system – as a result of the E.coli infection.  John continues to struggle with additional ongoing health complications.

Lawyers investigating as at least 60 products recalled

He’s now instructed specialist public health lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness.  It comes after the Food Standards Agency confirmed that manufacturers were taking the ‘precautionary step’ of recalling at least 60 types of pre-packed sandwiches, wraps and salads following 211 people being affected by E.coli, with at least 67 admitted to hospital.

Retailers involved include Aldi, Asda, Boots, Co-op and Morrisons.

Sarita Sharma is a specialist public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing John. The firm has vast experience of supporting victims of illness outbreaks in the UK and abroad including the recent outbreaks of cryptosporidium in Brixham, Devon, and Gannow Farm in Worcestershire.

Expert Opinion

“What John has suffered over the past few weeks is very concerning, and he’s understandably upset and distressed at what he’s been through as a result of the E.coli infection.

“To hear that more than 200 people have also been affected is truly shocking.

“E.coli is a bacteria which can cause foodborne illness, leading to gastric symptoms and in some cases, such as John’s, it can lead to other serious health conditions.

“The UK Health Security Agency is now investigating and has found that John’s illness is likely to have come from the recalled sandwich. It’s now vital, where applicable, that lessons are learned going forward to keep consumers safe.” Sarita Sharma

E.Coli outbreak: John's story

During his time in hospital, John underwent a series of tests including MRI and CT scans, chest and stomach x-rays and lumbar punctures.

One month on, he has lost around half a stone in weight and, is continuing to be monitored by medical teams.

John said: “The past month has been nothing short of traumatic I’ve never been that unwell before so I knew something was very wrong, but to be told I had E.coli and then Guillain-Barre Syndrome was a huge shock.  My condition went from bad to worse as I developed complication after complication.

“I’m still not right physically, and I don’t know if I ever will be, and to hear how many others have been affected is deeply upsetting.  I just hope that something is done to stop it happening to anyone else.”

Find out more on E.coli and what to do to reduce the risk of infection

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