On Halloween FDA, CDC revealed a hidden investigated outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to romaine lettuce

On October 31, the FDA shared news of a recent E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, involving 23 illnesses that were likely associated with romaine lettuce. No deaths were reported. It looks like the authorities kept the investigation hidden for six weeks before going public after it was over. It raises the concern that failing to reveal the outbreak as soon as the CDC and FDA became aware of it is an example of an uncalled-for lack of transparency. said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas said that “E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that was likely associated with romaine lettuce. We do not believe there is a current or ongoing risk to the public and we are not recommending the public avoid consuming romaine lettuce”. The FDA announced that the active investigation had reached its end, and the outbreak appears to be over.  The CDC notified the FDA of this illness cluster in mid-September 2019. A total of 23 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 were reported from 12 states: Arizona (3), California (8), Florida (1), Georgia (1), Illinois (2), Maryland (1), North Carolina (1), Nevada (1), New York (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (2) and South Carolina (1). Eleven people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from July 12, 2019, to Sept. 8, 2019. No illnesses were reported after the CDC began investigating the outbreak on Sept. 17, 2019. Investigators were sent to visit farms located in California’s central coast region, which were identified through the traceback investigation. The investigation did not identify a common source or point where contamination occurred. @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-brief/fda-cdc-and-other-health-partners-investigated-outbreak-e-coli-o157h7-possibly-linked-romaine