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28th Jun 2017

Faecal bacteria found in the ice in three major coffee chains in the UK

The levels were said to be 'concerning'.

Orlaith Condon

If this doesn’t put you off your morning coffee, we don’t know what will.

Three of the largest coffee chains are facing huge criticism today after the ice in their branches was found to contain bacteria from faeces.

Samples were taken from the iced drinks in Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Caffe Nero in the UK, and they were found to have varying levels of the bacteria present, according to a BBC investigation.


Seven out of ten samples in Costa were found to be contaminated with the bacteria, while three out of ten samples in Starbucks and Caffe Nero failed the test.

Costa have said they have updated their ice-handling guidelines and are introducing new equipment.

Starbucks are said to be investigating the claims internally, as are Caffe Nero.