The latest outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 in Scotland serves as a reminder that there is no room for complacency in dealing with the potentially fatal food poisoning organism, says Scottish newspaper The Herald.

Three new cases of E. coli, apparently linked to a butcher’s shop in Law, South Lanarkshire, were confirmed yesterday. The cases were not linked to recent outbreaks in Fife and Grampian.

Professor Hugh Pennington, the eminent microbiologist, produced 32 recommendations to minimise future risk after the Wishaw outbreak. Prof Pennington also pointed out that there is no hard and fast explanation why E. coli infections should be up to four times more common in Scotland than England.

The Herald wonders if the Professor’s recommendatioins had not been heeded. It reminds everyone that with this health hazard in our midst, it is imperative that everyone take as many precautions as possible to keep it in its place, whether as parents, consumers, carers or businesses.