FDA releases report on the investigation of the fall 2019 outbreaks tied to romaine lettuce

The FDA worked with the CDC and state partners to investigate the contamination of romaine lettuce with several strains of E. coli O157:H7 that caused three outbreaks of foodborne illness beginning in September 2019 and ended in January 2020. Together, the outbreaks made 188 people ill. The findings suggest that a potential contributing factor to these outbreaks has been the proximity of cattle to the produce fields. This is especially true when cattle are adjacent to and at higher elevations than produce fields. Therefore, leafy greens growers need to mitigate risks associated with adjacent land uses, especially uphill, including grazing lands and animal operations. Leafy greens growers need to increase traceability to expedite the investigation and prevent illnesses. The FDA efforts to address prevention will include advancing the safety of agricultural water, enhancing inspection, audit and certification programs, and continuing focused sampling assignments.  @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-releases-report-investigation-fall-2019-outbreaks-illnesses-tied-romaine-lettuce?utm_campaign=052120_PR_FDA%20Releases%20Investigation%20Report%20on%20Outbreaks%20Tied%20to%20Romaine%20Lettuce&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua