Chicken Salad Recall: Costco Removes Chicken Salad Tainted With E. Coli From Store Shelves
Costco chicken salad has been linked to several cases of E. coli infection in four western U.S. states. Consumers who purchased the popular Costco product have reported illnesses within days after buying it.
Earlier this month, Chipotle Mexican Grill was subject to an E. coli outbreak that affected customers throughout the nation. In a recent report from the Inquisitr, Chipotle closed several locations in Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Ohio, California, and New York after people were reporting they were getting sick after visiting the restaurant.
So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified at least 45 people were infected with E. coli bacteria after eating at the establishment. The cause of the outbreak is still under investigation by health officials with the CDC and Chipotle.
Now, just days after the Chipotle outbreak, confirmed E. coli bacteria infections are affecting the global retailer, Costco Wholesale.
Consumers who purchased the product in these states are advised to dispose of it or return it to the store for a refund. Additionally, anyone who has eaten the product and are experiencing symptoms should make a precautionary visit to the doctor.
As reported by the Denver Post, at least four people in Colorado have become ill since eating the Costco chicken salad. Health authorities with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have confirmed two E. coli cases in Jefferson County — one in Arapahoe County, and one in Routt County.
Reportedly, the Colorado customers bought the chicken salad around October 25 and 26, then complained of sickness between October 28 and November 3. One person was hospitalized. However, all have since recovered.
Costco chicken salad sold in Washington locations have also been recalled. King 5 News reports that at least one person in King County got sick in late October, but was not hospitalized.
Along with Costco, the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, as well as the CDC, are all diligently working to uncover where the contamination came from.
“We are working with Costco,” CDPHE epidemiologist Alicia Cronquist said. “FDA reported to us the product has been removed from the shelves and no longer is for sale in Colorado.”
The same Costco chicken salad product is also sold in Montana and Utah and has since been recalled. However, there has been no detailed reports of illnesses from these states as of yet.
Symptoms of E. coli generally start within two to eight days after an infection and include dehydration, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Typically, people recover within one week, but symptoms can last longer. If left untreated, the infection could lead to more serious health complications such as kidney failure.
This is the second time this year the wholesale club had to recall its chicken salad. In April, Costco Canada recalled its Kirkland Signature brand roasted chicken salad due to Listeria contamination. The recall affected all Canadian provinces, except for Prince Edward Island. Fortunately, no one got sick from the contamination.
To prevent possible further infections from E. coli, Costco has recalled and removed the chicken salad product from all store shelves in the four states.
[Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]
