Five people fell ill after eating food sold at Costco stores in Japan.
Earlier this month, a report was received at the Nagoya City Public Health Center that a person was infected with E. coli. As a result of the investigation, it was confirmed that the patient ate cooked food at Costco Moriyama Warehouse.
As a result of further investigation, it was revealed that five people who consumed food prepared and provided at the site between May 31 and June 1 developed food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Patients’ ages range from 7 to 49 years.
E. coli O157 was detected in stool samples from all five patients. The suspected product name is High Roller Bacon Lettuce Tomato (BLT) Wrap.
The Nagoya City Public Health Center issued an order to suspend operations at restaurants and food manufacturers that cooked contaminated food in their stores.
Costco Japan said in a statement, “We received reports from some members that they had consumed ‘High Roller’ products manufactured and sold in the delicatessen corner of the Moriyama Warehouse on May 31 and June 1. The investigation revealed the presence of E. coli O157.
“We sincerely apologize for causing great concern and concern to the affected members and their families,” he said. “We are currently actively cooperating with the public health center’s investigation, and once again emphasized the safety management system in accordance with the guidelines.”
Costco said it cleaned related equipment and hired an external company to disinfect the food manufacturing area. ‘High Roller’ products produced on May 31 or June 1 were also recalled.
The Japan Institute for Health and Safety (JIHS) published a special issue on E. coli infections earlier this year.
According to the infectious disease outbreak trend survey, in 2025, 2,472 symptomatic E. coli infections discovered through epidemiological investigations or regular stool tests of food workers were reported, and 1,866 asymptomatic infections were reported. Overall, 4,338 cases are the highest since 2011.
There were 59 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and Escherichia coli was isolated in 46 cases. Among these, O157 was detected 41 times. In 2025, 10 cases of E. coli food poisoning were reported to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, with 362 patients.
