Chicken Salad Recalled Due to Potential Link to E. coli Illnesses

 Costco is recalling chicken salad in several western states due to a state health department E. coli outbreak investigation that is focusing on chicken salad purchased in its Colorado stores.

While E. coli O157:H7 has not been associated with chickens, cross contamination can occur in facilities that also handle higher risk items such as beef.  It can also be found in produce items that were subject to contamination.

Colorado Department of Public Health
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe
Chicken salad pulled from Colorado Costco shelves for E.coli
Mark Salley| 303-692-2013 |mark.salley@state.co.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 23, 2015
 
DENVER – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is working with other western states and the CDC to investigate illnesses due to E. coli O157:H7 from chicken salad purchased at Colorado Costco stores in late October.

Consumers with “Chicken Salad made with Rotisserie Chicken” – item number 37719 – purchased from Costco in Colorado should discard it.

Four cases of E. coli O157:H7 have been confirmed in Colorado, including two cases in Jefferson County and one each in Arapahoe and Routt counties. One person was hospitalized; all have recovered. The individuals purchased the product on Oct. 25 and 26 and became ill between Oct. 28 and Nov. 3.

The FDA, USDA-FSIS, and CDC are working with Costco to determine the source of contamination.

Other states with confirmed E. coli cases linked to the chicken salad include Utah, Montana and Washington.

“We are working with Costco,” said Alicia Cronquist, an epidemiologist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “FDA reported to us the product has been removed from the shelves and no longer is for sale in Colorado.”

People who have eaten the product and feel ill should consult with their health care provider.