FDA update of the investigation of E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to romaine from Salinas, California

Romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California growing region is a likely source of an outbreak of illnesses caused by E. coli O157:H7, according to the FDA and its investigating partners (CDC, and state health authorities). According to the FDA, the data showed that ill people in Maryland were exposed to romaine lettuce harvested in Salinas, California. Additionally, FDA is investigating two other E. coli outbreaks, each caused by strains that are different from each other and different from the larger outbreak. The FDA is investigating two other E. coli outbreaks, each caused by strains that are different from each other and different from the larger outbreak.  One of the additional outbreaks, in Washington state, is linked to romaine lettuce, and the other outbreak, with cases in the U.S. and Canada, is linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits. As part of these investigations, FDA and state partners are conducting traceback investigations to trace romaine exposures to the source. Currently, the tracebacks on all three outbreaks have identified a common grower in Salinas. FDA, CDC, and California partners are deploying a team to conduct new investigations at several ranches used by this grower as we try to identify the source of the contamination. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-linked-romaine-salinas-california-november-2019?utm_campaign=OutBreak_Romaine_Ecoli_12122019&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua