Although ice can become contaminated, researchers ruled it out as the source of contamination after testing revealed that it did not contain coliform bacteria.

CNN: Soda fountains contained fecal bacteria, study found

The Shanghai quarantine bureau said it destroyed 1, 872 kilos (4, 100 pounds) of chocolate almond cake imported by Ikea that it said had excessive levels of coliform bacteria.

NPR: China Destroys Ikea Cake, Nestle Chocolate

And the fecal coliform counts were just off the charts.

NPR: Summary Judgment: 'Fast Food Nation', 'Casino Royale'

In June, the environment secretary, Victor Ramos, announced that the island's waters were unsafe for swimming due to high levels of coliform bacteria, which is usually associated with human sewage.

ECONOMIST: The island that became too popular

Further, other coliform bacteria, perfectly capable of causing a nasty infection especially among the immunocompromised that disproportionately live in urban areas like Washington were found in half of the bags sampled.

FORBES: In D.C., 'Skip The Bag, Save The River' Is Making Us All Sick

Nearly half of the 90 beverages from soda fountain machines in one area in Virginia tested positive for coliform bacteria -- which could indicate possible fecal contamination, according to a study published in the January issue of International Journal of Food Microbiology.

CNN: Soda fountains contained fecal bacteria, study found

They found that 48 percent of beverages obtained from soda fountains contained coliform bacteria, 11 percent contained E. coli (which are mostly harmless, but some can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia), and 17 percent had Chryseobacterium meningosepticum (which could sicken newborns or adults with weakened immune systems).

CNN: Soda fountains contained fecal bacteria, study found