Viaspan is used to preserve the liver, bowel and pancreas and it is often used when organs are transported in the UK.

The makers of Viaspan, Bristol-Myers Squibb issued a recall of the product after tests on its production line revealed the presence of the bacteria Bacillus cereus.

Patients could suffer diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps if the bacteria is present but so far no transplant centres have reported adverse effects in the light of the discovery.

There are around 40 bowel, 250 pancreas and 800 liver transplants in the UK each year, Viaspan is primarily used to preserve these abdominal organs after removal from the donor.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are now working to find alternative solutions for abdominal organs, until then Viaspan will continue to be used in the UK and patients can be given an antibiotic in case the bacteria is present.

A statement from Bristol-Myers Squibb said: "We are urgently investigating the cause of this issue.

"BMS has notified all health authorities in countries where the product is distributed and will provide further updates as the investigation progresses."