Warning: Investigation Finds Fecal Bacteria In Ice At UK Starbucks Stores
If you live in the United Kingdom and you're thinking about cooling off with an iced drink at Starbucks, think again — a recent investigation conducted by BBC's Watchdog found that samples of ice at three major coffee hubs contained bacteria found in feces.
The investigation sampled iced drinks from Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and Caffè Nero and found "concerning" levels of bacteria, according to Tony Lewis, bacteria expert and head of policy and education at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
"These should not be present at any level — never mind the significant numbers found," Lewis said.
During the investigation, tables, trays, and high chairs were tested at 30 different branches. Results showed that seven out of ten samples of ice at Costa Coffee were found to be contaminated with bacteria found in fecal matter. At Starbucks and Caffè Nero, three out of 10 samples tested contained bacteria called fecal coliforms.
According to Lewis, these types of bacteria are "opportunistic pathogens" and "the source of human disease."
In response to the discovery, a Starbucks spokesman said the company takes hygiene "extremely seriously" and will further investigate the claims. Additionally, a Caffè Nero spokesman said the company would also investigate.
Big name Starbucks has currently been trending on Twitter for the investigation's discovery, and the internet can't help but poke fun at it.
For an overpriced, calorific, dirty-iced coffee, Costa, Starbucks and Caffè Nero are the cream of the crap.#walkonby
— Lynne (@blonde008) June 28, 2017
I always knew they weren't cinnamon sprinkles... Starbucks and Caffè Nero pic.twitter.com/xvHdc4kcgZ
— Boo Brown (@babyboogaloo) June 28, 2017
Really wish I hadn't looked at why Starbucks and Caffe Nero are trending. pic.twitter.com/o8jR1Yb99T
— Rachel Hawkins (@ourrachblogs) June 28, 2017
ill take a rain check from starbucks and caffe nero .. pic.twitter.com/wdl8Ye2TrL
— lee (@Lee_k100) June 28, 2017