In a follow-up on a report of a recent E.coli outbreak, the CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating several multistate outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 infections, including this third ongoing E. coli O157:H7 outbreak.

Image/CDC

Officials report 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli have been reported from 6 states. 5 ill people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.

Laboratory testing by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) identified the outbreak strain in a sample of Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce in a single-head package.

However, CDC notes there is not enough epidemiologic and traceback information available at this time to determine if ill people got sick from eating Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce. The investigation is ongoing to determine if additional products may be contaminated with the outbreak strain of E. coli.

Out of an abundance of caution, Tanimura & Antle Inc. voluntarily recalled on Nov. 6 its packaged single head romaine lettuce under the Tanimura & Antle brand, labeled with a packed on date of 10/15/2020 or 10/16/2020, due to possible contamination with E. Coli 0157:H7.

E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. If consumers are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please contact your physician.