Most E. coli strains are harmless and considered an important part of a healthy human intestinal tract. But the one behind the Chipotle cases, known as STEC 026, is a different story. Here's what you need to know. Photo/Illustration: Arielle Ray

E. coli: What You Need to Know

Supermarkets in New South Wales have issued an urgent recall of Dairy Farmers milk amid fears they could be contaminated with E. coli.

Lion Dairy & Drinks is undertaking a recall of its Dairy Farmers 1L Full Cream milk with a use-by date of 25/02/2020 and its Dairy Farmers 3L Full Cream milk with a use-by date of 24/02/2020.

The bottles have been sold in Woolworths, Coles and IGA stores, as well as some independent outlets, around the state, with fears the milk could cause illness if consumed.

E. coli, also known as microbial contamination, is a food safety issue that can cause diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and can last up to 10 days.

Shoppers who purchased the product have been urged not to consume it, and to dispose of it immediately.

“Lion Dairy & Drinks is committed to the highest standards of quality and safety. Consumers and customers can be assured that we are undertaking a thorough investigation and will put in place steps to mitigate it happening again,” the company said in a statement.

“We encourage anyone who has consumed the Dairy Farmers 3L or 1L Full Cream white milk product with the respective Use by Dates and made and sold in New South Wales and who feels unwell to seek medical advice as required.”

No complaints have been issued regarding the recalled product so far, and the company will be providing full refunds to customers.