An investigation into sanitary conditions at Starbucks has found a concerning amount of fecal bacteria in their iced drinks.

The inquiry was performed as part of the BBC’s Watchdog television program. They tested several branches in the UK for the presence of bacteria. Specimens were also taken from tables, trays, high chairs, as well as iced drinks.

What they found was more than a little alarming. Samples from three out of 10 locations contained an alarming amount of bacteria, many of which were positively identified as fecal coliforms.

If the word fecal turns your stomach, it should. These sorts of bacteria shouldn’t be found at any level in a food-serving establishment.

Starbucks is now investigating these claims internally. The BBC has yet to hear an official response.

Another UK-based coffee chain, Costa, was even worse. Their samples tested positively in 7 out of 10 locations. In response to the allegations, Costa responded to the BBC that they are currently updating their ice-handling guidelines and are in the process of replacing older, less sanitary equipment.

via BBC

Coliform bacteria are a standard method of testing the safety of food and water. The bacteria itself are not necessarily harmful to human health, however, they’re easy to culture, and their presence is used as a sort of canary in the mine. If a test for coliform is positive, then it is very likely that tests for other, pathogenic bacteria and viruses will be positive too.

The cultures performed at Starbucks are notable as they specifically contain coliform bacteria found in the feces of large animals. It is therefore likely that serious disease causing bacteria, such as E. coli or C. difficile were also present.

The presence of coliform bacteria is also commonly used to test sewage systems. An increase in coliform is often an indication of a problem with water filtration and treatment systems or a break in the sewage line.

Bacterial outbreaks are still a regular occurrence in the developed world. Just recently, an E. coli outbreak linked to flour produced by Ardent Mills has left many Canadians hospitalized, and caused the Canadian public health agency to issue a recall on bags of flower. So far there have been no fatalities.