An article by scientists from Cornell University (Bulut, E., Murphy, S.I., Strawn, L.K. et al. Risk assessment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 along the farm-to-fork fresh-cut romaine lettuce supply chain. Sci Rep 15, 17421 (2025)) refers to a mathematical model to identify control measures. Since outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ECO157) in romaine lettuce are an ongoing public health concern, a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) models are key tools for identifying control measures to mitigate foodborne diseases. The article introduces a comprehensive QMRA framework along the farm-to-fork fresh-cut romaine lettuce chain, including a novel preharvest difference equation model, to predict annual ECO157 illness cases in the United States and evaluate control strategies. Irrigation emerged as the most significant source of ECO157 counts in fresh-cut romaine. Illnesses occur mainly (52%) occurred due to ECO157 contamination originating from untreated irrigation water applied through overhead spray irrigation. Wildlife intrusions pose a lower health risk, followed by runoffs and biological soil amendments of animal origin. When preharvest contamination persists and combines with time and temperature abuses at postharvest, the predicted ECO157 illness cases rise considerably. A broad range of interventions targeting both preharvest and postharvest stages can effectively improve the microbial safety of fresh-cut romaine. The comprehensive practices and interventions explored in this study will aid decision-makers in establishing/enhancing food safety best management practices. @ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-01585-z
