Cluster of E. coli Illnesses in Maryland Linked to Romaine Lettuce Salads
On November 18th, the Maryland Department of Health released a statement announcing the investigation of a cluster of seven Escherichia coli O157:H7 illnesses in that state. Those seven consumers all reported eating Ready Pac Bistro® Bowl Chicken Caesar Salad purchased from various Sam’s Club locations in Maryland. The same salads are also sold at many other retailers.
Testing was conducted on one unopened salad that had been purchased by one of the patients identified in the outbreak. The presence of E. coli was detected in the salad’s romaine lettuce.