Health officials have raised the alarm over a worrying surge in a potentially deadly strain of E. coli bacteria linked to colon cancer.
Cases of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in England rose almost 10-fold in just seven years, according to fresh figures.
British researchers found more than 9,000 people were infected between 2016 and 2023, with data collected by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing cases increased from 297 in 2016 to 2,341 in 2023.
In total, 9,311 individuals were affected over the seven-year period, with nine cases proving fatal.
E. coli may be linked to increasing colon cancer cases in under-50s
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Of these, 840 people required hospitalisation, with 173 developing hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure.
The pathogen is mostly found in ready-to-eat foods like chopped fruit and lettuce in sandwiches, as well as undercooked meat.
STEC can also be spread by touching infected animals or their faeces, or through direct contact with infected people's waste.
Contaminated water presents another risk, either through drinking tainted supplies or accidentally ingesting it while swimming.
The alarming rise coincides with new research suggesting E. coli may be linked to increasing colon cancer cases in under-50s.
US researchers analysed 981 colon cancer tumours across 11 countries, finding traces of colibactin, a cancer-linked toxin produced by certain E. coli strains, in tumours from patients under 40.
The study suggests colibactin-linked cases could be 3.3 times more common in early-onset cancer.
Scientists acknowledged the research was "strong" and "good quality", but noted longer-term studies are needed.
These would track the effects of colibactin on children as they grow up to establish whether the toxin causes cancer or is merely associated with it.
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The pathogen is mostly found in ready-to-eat foods
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Last year, more than 280 people were struck down by STEC in an outbreak linked to ready meal sandwiches containing contaminated UK-grown lettuce.
The outbreak caused nine cases of HUS and two deaths, according to the UKHSA.
Over 60 sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in 11 major UK shops were issued with 'do not eat' alerts.
Further research is also needed to determine what leads to the growth of colibactin-producing E. coli strains.
