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CDC closes investigation on E. coli outbreak linked to Costco chicken salad
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The CDC published a final report of a Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli outbreak that affected 19 people from seven states.
Most illnesses were reported in the western U.S., including Montana (n = 6), Utah (n = 5), Colorado (n = 4), Washington (n = 1) and California (n = 1). One case was reported each in Virginia and Missouri.
Based on available information, 14 of 16 people who were interviewed by state and local public health officials purchased or consumed rotisserie chicken salad from Costco in the week before becoming ill. The onset of illness ranged from Oct. 6 to Nov. 3, and infections occurred in consumers aged 5 to 84 years. Five people were hospitalized, including two patients who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. There were no deaths.
Researchers at the Montana Public Health Laboratory identified E. coli O157:H7 in the celery and onion diced blend, produced by Taylor Farms Pacific, through DNA “fingerprinting” with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. During a traceback investigation, however, the FDA was unable to identify contaminated products.
Costco removed all rotisserie chicken salad from its stores on Nov. 20, and Taylor Farms Pacific voluntarily recalled multiple products containing celery due to possible contamination on Nov. 26.
“This outbreak appears to be over,” the report said. “However, E. coli is still an important cause of human illness in the United States.”