The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to warn against eating any romaine lettuce harvested from the central Coastal growing regions of Northern and Central California amid a multistate outbreak of E. coli illnesses linked to romaine lettuce. The agency also reported Thursday that nine additional people are ill since November 26.

About E. coli

E. coli is bacteria that normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. While most strains are harmless, the one found in recent patients can cause serious illness. Symptoms of E.Coli typically begin two to eight days after consuming the bacteria, although most patients become ill three or four days after consumption. These symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Most people recover in five to seven days. However, those most at risk include the very young, the very old and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Romaine E. coli Outbreak Update

Currently, the romaine E. coli outbreak has injured 52 people since October. There are 15 states reporting illnesses including California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. Over 19 people needed to go the hospital, including two who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

Last month, the CDC and the US Food and Drug Administration updated their warning against eating or selling romaine lettuce products harvested in the California counties of Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Ventura.

Tracing the Outbreak

The FDA and CDC have targeted four restaurants in three different states, 10 different distributors, 12 different growers, and 11 different farms as potential sources of the contaminated lettuce. Therefore, the agencies cannot tie the romaine E. coli outbreak to a single farm, grower, harvester, or distributor. However, federal and state investigators have been inspecting farms and lettuce cooling facilities in California and collecting samples of soil, water, romaine lettuce and fecal samples to pinpoint the potential sources. 

Safe edible romaine will be labeled with either a harvest location and date, or hydroponic or greenhouse information. Romaine without this information should not be consumed. Also, romaine harvested outside these six California regions is not related to the outbreak. null

Get Legal Help

E. Coli is bacteria that can cause serious, sometimes fatal, infections in humans. The CDC estimates the bacteria causes 2,000 hospitalizations each year. Plus, 10% go on to develop more serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS can cause kidney failure, damage to the central nervous system, and ultimately death.

This is why it is important to seek representation if you are a victim of the multistate romaine E. coli outbreak or any foodborne contamination. An experienced attorney like those at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm can help you receive compensation for your losses. We have over 20 years representing injured consumers and will use every avenue to get you justice.