U.S. Health Officials Warn Public Not to Eat Romaine Lettuce From Salinas, California

WASHINGTON (WBAP/KLIF News) – In the wake of 40 reported illnesses reported in 16 states connected to an E. coli outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising consumers not to eat any romaine lettuce that has been harvest out the growing region of Salinas, California.

The Food and Drug Administration said anyone who has the lettuce in their home should immediately throw it away or return it to the place of purchase. The FDA also urges patrons in restaurants to ask staff whether any romaine being served is from Salinas.

Most romaine lettuce is labeled with a harvest location showing where it was grown.

The FDA said no other romaine lettuce products harvested outside of the Salinas region has been implicated in this outbreak adding that “hydroponically and greenhouse-grown romaine does not appear to be related to the outbreak.”

Illnesses have been reported in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

No deaths have been reported but the FDA said 28 people have been hospitalized.

Officials said they’re looking for the source of the E. coli outbreak out of Salinas.

Last year, the E. coli outbreak that killed five people and sickened almost 200 was traced to tainted irrigation water near a cattle farm.

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