Throw Out Your Romaine Lettuce, Missouri: CDC

MISSOURI — Missouri is on a growing list of states to report E. coli outbreaks in recent days, according to a new warning from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The federal agency is warning all consumers to throw out any romaine lettuce they might have in the fridge — that includes whole heads, hearts, chopped romaine and salad mixes from any brand.

Officials believe they have traced the outbreak back to Yuma, Arizona, but have no way of easily knowing which lettuce was grown and packaged where once it has been shipped to stores and restaurants around the country.

According to the CDC, unless you can verify where your romaine was grown, it's safer to toss it out — or pass on it if it's included on restaurant menus.

So far, 53 people in 16 states have been diagnosed with a dangerous strain of the bacteria, which can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to kidney failure. Thirty-one people have been hospitalized, a much higher percentage than is typical with other E. coli strains.

One case has been reported in Missouri.

Find more information on the outbreak here.

Patch reporters Shannon Antinori and Feroze Dhanoa contributed to this reporting.

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