E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Romaine Lettuce In Illinois

ILLINOIS — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert Tuesday saying a multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce is under investigation. In the alert, the CDC said it is advising consumers in the U.S. not to eat any romaine lettuce and advising retailers and restaurants not to serve or sell romaine lettuce until the agency learns more information about the outbreak.

According to the CDC, 32 people in 11 states have been infected with E. coli in the latest outbreak, including two cases in Illinois. The illnesses started on dates ranging from Oct. 8-31. The CDC says at least 13 people were hospitalized and one person developed a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

Additionally, 18 people have become ill in two Canadian provinces.

In the U.S., the E. coli cases were reported in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Wisconsin. California was the hardest-hit state, with 10 reports of illness, followed by Michigan, which had seven.

The CDC said consumers who have any type of romaine lettuce in their homes should throw it away even if some of it was eaten and no one got sick.

Here's what the CDC further said about the advice to throw away any type of romaine lettuce:

• This advice includes all types or uses of romaine lettuce, such as whole heads of romaine, hearts of romaine, and bags and boxes of pre-cut lettuce and salad mixes that contain romaine, including baby romaine, spring mix, and Caesar salad.
• If you do not know if the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix contains romaine, do not eat it and throw it away.
• Wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in refrigerators where romaine was stored. Follow these five steps to clean your refrigerator.

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell any romaine lettuce, including salads and salad mixes containing romaine, the CDC said.

By Feroze Dhanoa, Patch National Staff

Photo via Shutterstock