The number of E. coli cases connected to romaine lettuce grown in California has increased to 67. The outbreak continues across 19-states, with a significant portion occurring in Wisconsin.
The illnesses were first reported on September 24th and the total continues to rise with a 27-case increase between November 22 and November 27th. No deaths have occurred, but there have been 39-hospitalizations. Officials are worried that cases will continue to increase throughout the Thanksgiving holiday.
The source of the outbreak is romaine lettuce tied to Salinas, California.
“CDC advises that consumers not eat and retailers not sell any romaine lettuce grown in the Salinas, California, growing region. This includes all use-by dates and brands of romaine lettuce from this region.
If you have romaine lettuce or packaged goods containing romaine at home: Look for a label showing where the romaine lettuce was grown,” the agency said in advice to consumers. “It may be printed on the package or on a sticker. If the label says ‘grown in Salinas’ (whether alone or with the name of another location), don’t eat it. Throw it away. If it isn’t labeled with a growing region, don’t eat it. Throw it away. If you don’t know whether a salad mix or wrap contains romaine, don’t eat it. Throw it away.”
