A multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections has been linked to Costco Rotisserie Chicken Salad, according to the Centers of Disease  Control and Prevention.

The Montana Public Health Laboratory tested a sample of celery and onion diced blend collected from a Costco store. This product was used to make the Costco rotisserie chicken salad eaten by ill people in this outbreak. Preliminary results indicated the presence of E. coli O157:H7. Laboratory testing is ongoing to isolate the E. coli bacteria and then determine the DNA fingerprint.

As a result of the preliminary laboratory results, on November 26, 2015, Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc., voluntarily recalled multiple products containing celery because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

As of Dec. 1, 2015, 19 people infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O157:H7 have been reported from 7 states. There have been no deaths.

The majority of illnesses have been reported from states in the western United States.

5 ill people have been hospitalized, and 2 have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.

Preliminary laboratory evidence indicates that a celery and onion diced blend produced by Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. This product was used to make the Costco rotisserie chicken salad eaten by ill people in this outbreak.

14 (88%) of 16 people purchased or ate rotisserie chicken salad from Costco in the week before illness started.