The Salinas-linked romaine lettuce E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is over and the investigation continues

The FDA and CDC have been tracking two multi-state romaine lettuce outbreaks and declared both multi-state romaine lettuce outbreaks over. One of the outbreaks sickened 167 people in 27 states and caused hospitalization of 52% of patients, including 15 people who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The other outbreak, linked to Fresh Express salad kits, sickened 10 people in five states. A third outbreak in Washington State that sickened 11 people has also been declared over. All the outbreaks are traced back to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, CA growing region. The outbreak linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits, with cases in the U. S. and Canada, was declared over by CDC on January 15, 2020. The FDA was able to narrow the field to at least 10 in the lower Salinas Valley. When investigators arrived on the ranches there was no romaine lettuce in the ground and the fields had been plowed, as the growing season had already ended. As part of FDA’s ongoing efforts to understand and prevent foodborne illnesses linked to leafy greens, the FDA will conduct a root cause investigation.  @ https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/statement-salinas-linked-romaine-lettuce-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-and-status-update-investigation?utm_campaign=011520_Statement_%20Salinas-linked%20romaine%20lettuce%20E.%20coli%20O157%3AH7%20outbreak%20and%20status%20update&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua