Costco chicken salad linked to Salmonella illnesses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told FSIS of an investigation into Salmonella I 4,[5],12:i:- ​illnesses in Washington late last month.

FSIS and the Washington State Department of Health found a possible link between rotisserie chicken salad from Costco’s Alderwood store in Lynwood, Washington and the illnesses.

Four case patients have been identified with illness onset dates from September 2- 6.

Product purchased one month ago​

Traceback investigation indicated that three consumed rotisserie chicken salad purchased on August 26 and 31 and September 2 from Costco but no product has tested positive for the outbreak strain.

The chicken salad item of various weights was produced from August 26 to September 2.

Salmonellosis symptoms occur 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated product and usually last four to seven days.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume rotisserie chicken cooked to a temperature of 165° F.

Last year, 19 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 (STEC O157:H7) infections were linked to rotisserie chicken salad made and sold in Costco Wholesale stores.

Taylor Farms Pacific recalled products after a Celery and Onion Diced Blend used in the Costco Rotisserie Chicken Salad tested positive for the pathogen.

Undefined outbreak sickens more than 100 ​

Meanwhile, the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is investigating an unspecified illness associated with Mighty Taco restaurants.

ECDOH said 104 individuals had reported symptoms of nausea and vomiting after eating refried beans from one of 11 Mighty Taco locations in Erie County between September 27 and October 6.

“The investigation and analysis into an incident of a possible foodborne illness can be very complicated and may take weeks. We need to interview each individual extensively to identify a possible source​,” said Dr Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health.

The investigation is with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Niagara County Department of Health and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

It includes inspection, sampling and analysis of ingredients at a restaurant level and the supply chain. 

Representative samples have been sent to the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center in Albany for testing. Results are not expected before the end of next week.

Russell Jasulevich, COO of Mighty Taco, said the issue is around a batch of refried beans provided by a third party supplier.

The batch has been removed and is no longer available to customers while the restaurant remains open.