The number of E. coli outbreaks from tainted romaine lettuce has increased dramatically in recent years, especially 2018.
"The quick and aggressive steps we’re taking today are aimed at making sure we get ahead of this emerging outbreak to reduce risk to consumers and to help people protect themselves and their families from this foodborne illness outbreak," said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb on Nov. 20.
The current E. coli outbreak in romaine lettuce began in the Central Coast growing regions in both central and northern California, while a previous outbreak in the spring was in multiple states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first reported an E. coli has outbreak in romaine lettuce beginning in 2010.
"CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat any romaine lettuce, and retailers and restaurants not serve or sell any, until we learn more about the outbreak," warned the agency on its website 48 hours after Thanksgiving.
As of May 2010, there were 26 confirmed cases of E. coli infections in the United States and seven probable cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all were reported in five states: Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
In March 2012, more E. coli was found in romaine lettuce. The outbreak infected 58 people, compared to 26 from 2010. This time the E. coli strain was linked back to nine states: Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska.
Between 2013 and 2017, there had been no reported or confirmed cases of E. coli in romaine lettuce, although it had been found in other food products.
“The current outbreak is not related to the spring 2018 multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to romaine lettuce,” said a CDC representative.
The number of hospitalizations due to the outbreaks has increased every year as well:
- 2010 - 12 people
- 2012 - 33 people
- 2018 - 112 people
This year, 253 cases of E. coli have been reported, the most cases since the outbreaks were first reported in 2010.
-- Victoria Rohrer
Romaine lettuce photo courtesy of Creative Commons.