Starbucks Recalls Panini Sandwiches Tied to E. coli Outbreak

In the wake of a recent E.coli outbreak, Starbucks has recalled its holiday turkey panini sandwiches from more than 1,000 locations in California, Nevada and Oregon.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the paninis contained celery sourced from Taylor Farms Pacific Inc. in Tracy, California that has been contaminated with the Shiga toxin-producing bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has traced the Taylor Farms celery to at least 19 confirmed illnesses in seven different states. Starbucks isn’t the only outlet affected by the contaminated celery; Costco and Target also sell various products – including sandwich wraps and salads– containing the ingredient.

Starbucks recalls holiday sandwiches in CA

Costco finally pulled its celery-laden chicken salad off the shelves after reports of sickness began flooding in. The CDC states that E.coli illness reports started on October 6 and included both children and adults residing in California, Virginia, Missouri, Montana, Utah and Washington State.  Thus far, the CDC has not received any reports of illness from the Starbuck’s turkey panini sandwiches, which are a specialty menu item featured by the Seattle-based company during the month of December.

E. coli outbreak traced back to celery

The Costco E. coli outbreak was first reported on two weeks ago, when health officials urged customers who had purchased chicken salad at any Costco location on or before November 20 to discard it immediately.

Escherichia coli are bacteria that are commonly found in the GI tracts of humans and bovines. The majority of E.coli strains are not harmful to humans, with the exception of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli that can be spread through contaminated food sources, or hand to mouth contact with contaminated surfaces or animals. Symptoms of E.coli sickness can begin within two to eight days following exposure, but most people begin feeling ill within three to four days.

Those who have been exposed to Shiga toxin-producing E. coli show the following symptoms:

• Severe diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Abdominal cramps
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea

Symptoms usually resolve on their own within seven to 10 days, but smaller children and the elderly are more susceptible to health complications (such as kidney failure) requiring hospitalization.

The Costco and Starbucks recall comes on the heels of another E.coli outbreak that prompted Chipotle Mexican Grill to temporarily shutter the doors of 43 locations in Washington and Oregon. The CDC reports that some 35 cases of E. coli sickness were linked to its restaurants, triggering one personal injury lawsuit filed by a Kelso, Washington woman who became seriously ill after eating at the popular Tex-Mex chain.

Others infected with the E. coli bacteria have been forced to visit ER rooms for severe dehydration and bloody stools. “The excruciating pain in my abdomen was something I’ve never experienced. It feels like your guts are being ripped out,” Chris Collins of Oregon told CNN after enduring the grueling symptoms.

Contracting a potentially life-threatening food-borne illness may merit legal action when negligence is a factor. At Ellis Law, a personal injury attorney can provide straightforward advice and answers to questions regarding claims to compensation for an E.coli infection. A successful lawsuit can help victims secure damages for lost wages, hospital and medical expenses and emotional trauma.

To speak with a veteran personal injury lawyer about your case free of charge, call 310-641-3335.