Washington Health Officials Advise Discarding Costco Chicken Due To E.Coli Scare

(RTTNews) - Costco's chicken salad made from Rotisserie Chicken is being ordered off shelves due to E.Coli infection reported by at least one customer, according to a communication released by the Washington State health officials. The communication also urged consumers to discard the product if purchased from any Washington Costco location.

The affected person fell sick in late October but was not hospitalized. The health authorities of the state have identified the tainted item as "Chicken Salad made with Rotisserie Chicken." Anyone who purchased it, labeled item No. 37719, is advised to discard it.

Two similar incidents occurred in Jefferson County and one each happened in Arapahoe and Routt counties. All affected have recovered. The individuals purchased the product on October 25 and 26 and became ill between October 28 and November 3.

Costco customers from Colorado, Montana and Utah have also complained of infection.

Costco buys raw chicken from producers and cooks it in its store kitchens. Thorough cooking kills E. coli, which may cause kidney failure and other health issues. The strain involved in the outbreak is E. coli O157:H7.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture are working with the company to identify the source of the contamination.