Yesterday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared an update on the most recent Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak caused by contaminated romaine lettuce from the Salinas, CA, growing region.
As of December 4th, health officials have confirmed 102 illnesses in 23 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from September 24, 2019, to November 18, 2019. A total of 58 hospitalizations have been reported. Ten people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback evidence collected to date indicate that romaine lettuce from the Salinas, CA, growing region may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 and is making people sick.
CDC advises that consumers not eat and retailers not sell any romaine lettuce grown in the Salinas, CA, growing region. This includes all use-by dates and brands of romaine lettuce from this region. Most romaine lettuce products are labeled with a harvest location showing where they were grown.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and if additional products are linked to illness.
Related stories:
FDA Update: 67 Illnesses in 19 States Due to Romaine Lettuce from Salinas, CA Growing Region
CDC Warning: Do Not Eat Romaine Lettuce from the Salinas, CA Growing Region
Sudden Recall Issued for Expired Romaine Lettuce Salads Linked to E. coli Illnesses
Cluster of E. coli Illnesses in Maryland Linked to Romaine Lettuce Salads
