Panera Possibly Responsible For E. Coli Cases In New Jersey

A recent outbreak of E. coli in New Jersey is speculated to have spread from local locations of Panera Bread. According to Patch.com, a total of eight cases have been reported in Hunterdon, Somerset, Warren, Middlesex counties dating back to the third week of March.

"The Warren County Health Department and state Health Department are investigating a cluster of E. coli cases" potentially from "local Panera Breads," public health epidemiologist Sarah Perramant told NJ.com.

The Missouri-based chain's Jersey locations have not been named as the official source of illness, as an investigation is still underway. Health officials are conducting interviews with victims to gather as much information as they can.

"It can be very difficult to determine where someone got sick. Individuals could have eaten a number of meals in a number of places before becoming ill," a spokesperson for New Jersey Department of Health told The Daily Meal. "They could have eaten at several restaurants, at home or eaten food purchased at a supermarket. Sometimes the food source associated with illness is never determined."

The Daily Meal has reached out to Panera Bread for comment.

E. coli bacteria are generally harmless, although some strains can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory problems, and pneumonia. Chipotle had a disastrous bout with the sickness in 2015 — which, apparently, customers still haven't gotten over — but other big brands have had it worse. Here are the world's biggest food poisoning scares.