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