Trader Joe's Chicken Wraps Linked to E. coli Outbreak Sickening Over 50

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has identified Trader Joe's Tarragon Chicken Salad Wraps as the source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened more than 50 people across multiple states.

Health officials first warned of the outbreak on September 23, noting a link to a "multi-ingredient chicken wrap" that could cause severe intestinal infections. The FSIS confirmed the specific product after an investigation identified it as a common exposure among those who became ill. The wraps were proactively removed from sale by Trader Joe's in nine states when a "possible issue" was first suspected.

Reports of illness potentially connected to the wraps emerged in late August. In early September, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted Trader Joe's, prompting the supermarket chain to remove the wraps from its stores. By October 15, the number of reported illnesses had reached 50.

E. coli O157:H7 is a strain of bacteria that can cause severe intestinal cramping, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. In some cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening kidney complication. This same strain was responsible for a 2024 McDonald's recall that resulted in one death and 34 hospitalizations, linked to contaminated onions used in Quarter Pounders.

Two lawsuits have been filed against Trader Joe's by individuals who allege they were sickened by the wraps. One lawsuit, filed by Gayle Gottlieb from North Carolina, claims she became severely ill with abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea after consuming a wrap purchased on August 23, requiring hospitalization for dehydration. Another lawsuit filed by Meaghan Bright from Massachusetts alleges she suffered vomiting, blood in her stool, and severe pain after eating a wrap, and was informed she was at risk of HUS.

Both women reportedly were told by local health officials that they were part of a multistate E. coli outbreak. The lawsuits accuse Trader Joe's of negligence.

E. coli is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water, including undercooked meat, raw milk, unpasteurized juices, and leafy greens. While many E. coli infections resolve on their own, severe cases may require antibiotic treatment or intravenous fluid replacement. Individuals at higher risk for severe complications include young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.

Investigators are still working to determine exactly which ingredient was contaminated within the wraps and whether that ingredient was used in other food items. Officials have stated that none of the affected wraps remain available for sale.