The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a food safety alert in light of a recent Escherichia coli outbreak in the United States. We outline its main takeaways.

Share on Pinterest The CDC warn that consuming romaine lettuce grown in Salinas, CA, may be dangerous.

Between September 24th and November 10th of this year, people in 16 states have developed symptoms of E. coli, such as severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The source of this outbreak appears to be romaine lettuce from the Salinas, CA, growing region.

Since the start of the outbreak, 40 people have been diagnosed with E. coli infection, 27 of whom have been hospitalized.

Five of these people have developed a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a type of kidney failure. No related deaths have occurred.

Investigators from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have tracked the source of the outbreak to romaine lettuce. It appears to be contaminated with the same strain of coli O157:H7 that triggered similar outbreaks in 2017 and 2018.

However, the FDA have not yet linked any specific romaine lettuce grower, supplier, distributor, or brand to the outbreak.

Until the authorities find out more, the CDC have issued a food safety alert in which they urge consumers to avoid romaine lettuce from the Salinas, CA, growing region.

Below, we summarize the main takeaways of the CDC’s announcement, which can be read in full on the organization’s website.