Shops take organic Spanish cucumbers off shelves

THE outbreak of E coli that has killed at least 16 people in Europe has prompted Irish retailers to withdraw organic Spanish cucumbers from supermarket shelves.

Yesterday, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) confirmed that SuperValu, Dunnes Stores and Lidl withdrew some Spanish organic cucumbers from sale last week.

FSAI chief executive Professor Alan Reilly said they understood the move was precautionary and carried out on trade grounds rather than as a food safety measure.