K A S H R U T . C O M_©

Update: Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections

January 10, 2017 from the CDC:

"On January 10, 2018, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported that an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 infections (STEC O157:H7) they had identified was linked to romaine lettuce appears to be over."

"In the United States, CDC, several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of 24 STEC O157:H7 infections in 15 states. Since CDC’s initial media statement on December 28, seven more illnesses have been added to this investigation. The last reported illness started on December 12, 2017."

"The likely source of the outbreak in the United States appears to be leafy greens, but officials have not specifically identified a type of leafy greens eaten by people who became ill. Leafy greens typically have a short shelf life, and since the last illness started a month ago, it is likely that contaminated leafy greens linked to this outbreak are no longer available for sale. Canada identified romaine lettuce as the source of illnesses there, but the source of the romaine lettuce or where it became contaminated is unknown."

"Advice to Consumers: CDC is not recommending that U.S. residents avoid any particular food given the short shelf life of leafy greens and because a specific type of leafy greens has not been identified."

December 28, 2017 from the Food Safety News:

The CDC, FDA, CFIA and are investigating an outbreak of Shigella toxin producing E-coli 057:H7 in romaine lettuce. They have not yet pinpointed a soource. Outbreaks have happened in numerous states and Canadian provinces.

January 2, 2018 from the FoodSafetyNews:

Officials in the US and Canada have not yet pinpointed the exact cause of this outbreak. "Canadian officials are suggesting in some provinces that consumers avoid all romaine lettuce."