E. coli contamination linked to chicken salad sold at Costco has raised food safety concerns among shoppers nationwide. Health officials are investigating how the bacteria spread through a popular pre-packaged salad product.
Lab tests confirmed the presence of E. coli strains in multiple containers, prompting voluntary recalls and increased inspections at warehouse club locations.
| Incident Identifier | Product Name | Distribution States | Reported Illnesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-FS-017 | Costco Chicken Salad, 3-lb tub | CA, TX, FL, NY, IL | 42 |
| 2024-FS-019 | Costco Organic Chicken Salad, 2-lb tub | WA, OR, CA, AZ | 18 |
| 2024-FS-021 | Costco Gluten-Free Chicken Salad | CO, NM, NV | 7 |
| 2024-FS-024 | Costco Chicken Avocado Salad | MI, OH, PA | 11 |
How The Outbreak Was Discovered
State laboratories identified the E. coli strain after routine testing of prepared foods at Costco distribution centers. Hospital reports from multiple states later matched patient histories to the same batch codes.
Whole genome sequencing linked clinical isolates to the specific chicken salad lots, confirming a single source contamination rather than sporadic cases.
Symptoms And Health Impact
Consumers who ate the affected salads reported severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, and high fever within three to four days. Health departments recorded several cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney complication, among children and older adults.
Medical teams emphasized early hydration and careful monitoring to reduce the risk of long-term kidney damage in vulnerable patients.
Recall Procedures And Store Actions
Costco initiated an immediate withdrawal of all chicken salad variants from warehouse coolers and issued notices to members via app and email. In-store signage instructed staff to remove remaining units and quarantine affected stock for third-party testing.
Employees received additional training on cross-contamination prevention and temperature control to strengthen preventive protocols.
Supply Chain And Production Review
Internal audits traced the contamination to a processing facility where raw poultry surfaces tested positive for E. coli shortly before salad assembly. Enhanced sanitation cycles and ingredient screening were implemented to block future contaminated batches from reaching shelves.
Partnership with independent food safety auditors will provide ongoing verification to restore public trust.
Safety Steps For Shoppers And Home Kitchens
- Check recall lists on the Costco website using the lot code on your package.
- Discard any affected chicken salad securely in a sealed bag.
- Clean refrigerator shelves and drawers with hot, soapy water to remove potential residue.
- Cook all poultry to a safe internal temperature and avoid cross-contamination with ready-to-eat foods.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which specific chicken salad products are affected?
All Costco chicken salad varieties sold in the last 90 days, including organic and gluten-free formats, are subject to the recall.
What should I do if I already ate the product and feel sick?
Seek medical attention promptly, bring a sample of the product if possible, and report details to your local health department.
Can reheating the chicken salad prevent illness?
No, reheating may not eliminate toxins already produced by bacteria, and the product should not be consumed under any circumstances.
Are other warehouse club items also at risk for E. coli contamination?
Current investigations are focused on chicken salad, but shoppers are encouraged to check recall notices for any related products.