Number hospitalised by E coli reaches 86 as UK lettuce outbreak grows

Several sandwich vendors have recalled products as a precaution. Photograph: Caziopeia/Getty Images

At least 86 people have now been admitted to hospital as a result of an E coli outbreak linked to lettuce, health officials have said.

A further 45 cases of E coli infection have been confirmed since 18 June, bringing the number of confirmed cases across the UK to 256. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), those affected had developed symptoms before 31 May.