Update on FDA Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce from Yuma Growing Region

The FDA participated in a meeting of the Leafy Greens Food Safety Task Force formed in response to the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with romaine lettuce in Yuma AZ. As previously stated, samples of canal water have tested positive for the outbreak strain of E. coli. FDA continues to consider that contaminated water coming into contact with produce a viable explanation for the pattern of contamination. But other hypotheses were discussed as well. FDA noted that the canal is close to a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), a facility with a large number of cattle on the premises. The CAFO can hold in excess of 100,000 head of cattle at any one time and the FDA traceback information showed a clustering of romaine lettuce farms nearby. FDA experts continue to work on examining potential links between the CAFO, adjacent water, and geologic and other factors that may explain the contamination and its relationship to the outbreak. Additional sampling will be conducted to further explore and narrow down hypotheses. FDA urges other government and non-government entities, produce growers in the region, and those engaged in managing the canal systems to work with FDA to achieve our collective food safety goal. Broad engagement from the surrounding community is critical to developing and implementing remediation measures to reduce the potential for another outbreak. We believe local in-depth knowledge and actions are critical in helping resolve this issue in order to protect public health. @ https://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/outbreaks/ucm604254.htm?utm_campaign=Outbreak_Romaine_08062018&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
FDA Investigating Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Romaine Lettuce from Yuma Growing Region

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local partners, are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses.

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