CHORLEY Borough Council's environmental health boss has called for a national review after a butcher in Eccleston was found guilty of sparking an E.coli food poisoning outbreak.

Peter Harman could face a prison sentence after being convicted by a ten-man jury at Preston Crown Court.

He was found guilty of breaching safety regulations at his shop in Kwik Save, Eccleston, in November 2001.

In a case brought by Chorley Borough Council, the trial heard how a number of people became infected following the contamination of raw and cooked meats at Harman's outlet.

Now John Lechmere, head of environmental services at Chorley Borough Council, wants the Food Standards Agency to act.

After the trial he said: "The investigation by the outbreak control team, which included Chorley Borough Council, found Paul Harman's cross contamination strategy must have broken down, allowing cooked and raw meats at the shop to come into contact with each other.

"But unfortunately that risk is likely to remain while butchers are allowed to sell both types of product. The policy is totally reliant on separation systems for cooked and raw meat, including everything from storage to surface preparation and making sure all staff are aware of the risks."

Harman , aged 38, had denied selling food unfit for human consumption. His son, one of the E.Coli victims, spent three weeks in hospital.

The court was told Harman contacted the council to get his shop checked and have samples taken. The infection was found when swabs taken form his shop were examined.

He maintained he had taken all reasonable precautions regarding food safety, with various procedures in place.

Following the jury's verdict, defence barrister Mr Steve Swift asked for sentence to be adjourned so that a background report could be drawn up. Judge Stuart Baker adjourned the case to June 20 and said he wanted the court to be provided with thorough information about Harman's current financial position. All sentencing options were open, including prison, he said.

Harman, who also has a shop in Prestwich, was remanded on unconditional bail.