Washington's Latest E. Coli Outbreak Linked To PCC Yogurt: DOH

OLYMPIA, WA — A recent, multi-county outbreak of E. coli in Washington has been linked to a yogurt sold at PCC Community Markets.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) says the yogurt, produced by Pure Eire Dairy, has now been tied to 11 confirmed E. coli cases, though they are investigating the possibility of further cases and other potential causes.

Since the news broke over the weekend, PCC has announced a voluntary recall of the product, which it sold as "PCC Organic Grass-Fed Yogurt." The yogurt was packaged in 8 and 16 oz containers. The company says the recall if effective for all flavors.

Several PCC deli and hot bar items are also made using the recalled yogurt, including the store's butter chicken, yellow curry chicken, tzatziki sauce and toffee pudding. The company says all those products can be returned to their markets for a full refund. If that's not possible, the DOH says to toss the yogurt out immediately.

Of the 11 cases linked to this outbreak, six of which involved children under 10 years old. King County has the bulk of the infections with eight cases. Benton, Snohomish and Walla Walla counties have each reported one additional case apiece.

Out of all 11 cases, seven patients have had to be hospitalized with severe symptoms, and three have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication caused by E. coli infections.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloody stool. The DOH says the disease normally does not cause fevers.

"E. coli O157:H7 infections can cause serious complications, so make sure to contact your health care provider right away if you notice symptoms, especially bloody diarrhea," said Acting State Health Officer Scott Lindquist.

For more information on the recall effort, visit PCC's website.