A monthslong E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce harvested in Salinas, California, appears to be over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In late November, the agency advised consumers to avoid eating romaine lettuce from that growing region – and retailers from selling it – due to a possible E. coli contamination. Officials say contaminated romaine lettuce is no longer available for purchase.
The outbreak sickened 167 people in 27 states, including 15 Illinois residents, according to officials. Since September, 85 people were hospitalized, including 15 people who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure, according to the CDC. No deaths were reported.
Federal health officials are also declaring as over an E. coli outbreak linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped salad kits. That outbreak sickened 10 people in five states, including Illinois. Of those sickened, four people were hospitalized, according to the CDC. No deaths were reported.
The Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate the source of the romaine lettuce outbreak. For more information on the investigation, visit the FDA’s website.
Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz | (773) 509-5452 | [email protected]