Food Safety
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Safety
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • White Papers
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
    • Contamination Control
    • Food Types
    • Management
    • Process Control
    • Regulatory
    • Sanitation
    • Supply Chain
    • Testing and Analysis
  • PODCAST
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Food Safety Five Newsreel
    • eBooks
    • FSM Distinguished Service Award
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Videos
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MORE
    • ENEWSLETTER >
      • Archive Issues
      • Subscribe to eNews
    • Store
    • Sponsor Insights
  • WEBINARS
  • FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Editorial Advisory Board
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
NewsRegulatoryFDA

FDA Announces Findings From Sampling of Romaine Lettuce in Yuma, AZ

romaine lettuce, black background
October 11, 2021

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released its findings from a sampling assignment for which it collected and tested romaine lettuce from commercial coolers in Yuma County, Arizona during February and March 2021. The lettuce was tested for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), specifically enterohermorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), and Salmonella spp. The findings were part of FDA's ongoing surveillance following recent multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks of foodborne illness which were linked or possibly linked to romaine lettuce.

FDA's purpose in conducting this assignment was to determine whether the target pathogens and specific strains were present in romaine lettuce from the Yuma region to help prevent foodborne illness when possible. If FDA found product that tested positive for EHEC or Salmonella, it planned to work with industry and state regulatory partners to identify the cause to inform future regulatory and/or research effects. It will also develop strategies that could help prevent additional outbreaks.

FDA collected 504 romaine samples for EHECs and Salmonella spp., with testing performed by an independent laboratory on contract, as part of a pilot project. Each sample included 10 subsamples, and each subsample consisted of at least 300 grams of romaine lettuce, including whole heads, hearts, or individual leaves. The purpose of collecting and testing samples composed of multiple subsamples is to increase the probability of detecting pathogens if present, since microbial hazards may not be uniformly present.

E. coli O130:H11 was only detected in one sample. It was found to be moderate to high risk and could be capable of causing severe illness in humans, although it was not linked to any known human illnesses; in addition, no product ever reached consumers. As a precaution, the owner of the product did not harvest the remaining crop from the field where it was grown.

In response to this, FDA held an investigation at the farm to identify probably sources and routes of contamination. FDA was able to collect romaine lettuce from the field, as well as multiple samples of soil, water, sediment, and animal fecal material. FDA also assessed farm equipment and other surfaces. The one sample (out of 24 samples) that yielded STEC came from the outer leaves of romaine lettuce, and was further characterized as low risk to human health. FDA analysis indicated the strain was not linked with any past known foodborne illness outbreaks, as well. 

Romaine lettuce and leafy greens are among the most widely consumed vegetables in the U.S., and helping to ensure the microbiological safety of leafy greens continues to be a priority of FDA. Recently, FDA released its Leafy Greens STEC Action Plan (LGAP), which features public health approaches to response, prevention, and addressing knowledge gaps. FDA continues to collaborate with industry, states, academic, and other stakeholders through activities outlined in the LGAP to address issues with leafy greens.


Related: FDA Announces Results of Romaine Lettuce Sampling Assignment

KEYWORDS: romaine

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • people holding baby chicks

    Serovar Differences Matter: Utility of Deep Serotyping in Broiler Production and Processing

    This article discusses the significance of Salmonella in...
    Microbiological
    By: Nikki Shariat Ph.D.
  • woman washing hands

    Building a Culture of Hygiene in the Food Processing Plant

    Everyone entering a food processing facility needs to...
    Personal Hygiene/Handwashing
    By: Richard F. Stier, M.S.
  • graphical representation of earth over dirt

    Climate Change and Emerging Risks to Food Safety: Building Climate Resilience

    This article examines the multifaceted threats to food...
    Best Practices
    By: Maria Cristina Tirado Ph.D., D.V.M. and Shamini Albert Raj M.A.
Subscribe For Free!
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Website Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Food Safety Magazine audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Food Safety Magazine or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Deli Salads
    Sponsored byCorbion

    How Food Safety is Becoming the Ultimate Differentiator in Refrigerated and Prepared Foods

Popular Stories

Top view of several sandwiches

FDA Provides Update on Listeria Outbreak Related to Products of Fresh & Ready Foods LLC

Image of container spilling red powder

FDA Approves Three Food Colors from Natural Sources

Image of microscopic pathogens

FDA Releases CORE 2023 Annual Report regarding Investigations of Foodborne Outbreaks

Events

June 12, 2025

Additive Bans Ahead: Your Guide to Avoiding Risk and Maintaining Agility

Live: June 12, 2025 at 12:00 pm EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn how ingredient bans will impact product development, labeling, and sourcing.

View All

Products

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

See More Products
Environmental Monitoring Excellence eBook

Related Articles

  • lettuce

    FDA Announces New Sampling Plan for Romaine Grown in Yuma, AZ Growing Region

    See More
  • FDA Update on Romaine Lettuce Outbreak as Yuma, AZ, Growing Season Begins

    See More
  • romaine lettuce

    FDA Announces Results of Romaine Lettuce Sampling Assignment

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • food-safety-making.jpg

    Food Safety: Making Foods Safe and Free From Pathogens

  • 1119237963.jpg

    Food Safety in China: Science, Technology, Management and Regulation

  • 9781138070912.jpg

    Trends in Food Safety and Protection

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • October 1, 2024

    Advances in Food Decontamination Technology: A New Era of Efficiency and Effectiveness

    On Demand: From this webinar, attendees will learn about the potential for extending shelf life, resulting in decreased spoilage and improved food safety. 
  • October 24, 2024

    The Future of Metal and X-Ray Detection in Plastics

    On Demand: From this webinar, attendees will learn how to enhance safety and compliance in their F&B operations.
View AllSubmit An Event

Related Directories

  • QualiTru Sampling Systems

    Since 1983, QualiTru Sampling Systems® (formerly QMI) has been the leader in the science of aseptic liquid sampling with innovative, easy-to-use, versatile and cost‑effective sampling systems that help the dairy, beverage and liquid food industries produce safe, quality products across the U.S. and in over 30 countries worldwide.
  • ETQ, part of Hexagon

    ETQ Reliance is the world’s most flexible, powerful & easy-to-use advanced Quality Management System. Automate & standardize all aspects of quality, from document control, training, CAPA, audits, supply chain & more. Benefit from improved compliance, enhanced reputation, reduced costs, speed to market & visibility into your supply chain.
×

Never miss the latest news and trends driving the food safety industry

eNewsletter | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing