Starbucks Corporation SBUX has reportedly removed the holiday turkey paninis and several other items in more than 1,000 stores across three U.S. states after an E. coli outbreak.
The sandwiches contain celery, an ingredient held responsible for Costco Wholesale Corporation’s COST chicken salad recall in November. According to Bloomberg, the recalls were made in California, Oregon and Nevada stores. Starbucks, however, clarified that it was only a cautionary move and has not received any reports of illness due to the consumption of its foods.
E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, some strains of which can cause severe food poisoning.
Costco took its rotisserie chicken salad off the U.S. stores that was held responsible for an E. coli outbreak in seven states.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 19 people across these seven states — California, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, Utah, Virginia and Washington — fell sick after consuming the salad.
A blend of diced celery and onions used in the salad was identified as the likely source of the bacteria. Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc. of California which produced the blend voluntarily recalled multiple celery products in late November because of possible contamination. Starbucks’ sandwiches also contain celery, sourced from the same supplier.
Earlier this year, Chipotle Mexican Grill CMG was linked to an E. coli outbreak that affected 45 people in six states.
Stock to Consider
Starbucks has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors interested in the restaurant sector may consider BJ's Restaurants, Inc. BJRI which sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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