FDA In Brief: FDA Announces Investigation of a Third Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7
PR Newswire
SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 10, 2020
SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The following quote is attributed to Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response:
"The FDA is investigating a third outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 illnesses that matches the E. coli O157:H7 strain found by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) in Tanimura & Antle brand packaged single head romaine lettuce. It is important to note that the E.coli strain identified in this outbreak is not genetically related to either of the E. coli strains that we reported investigating on Oct. 28. This is a new and separate outbreak.
"At this time, there is not enough epidemiologic and traceback evidence to determine if ill people in this outbreak were exposed to romaine lettuce from Tanimura & Antle, Inc. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
"Consumers, restaurants and retailers should not eat, sell or serve recalled Tanimura & Antle, Inc. brand packaged single head romaine lettuce with a pack date of Oct. 15 or 16. We are actively investigating with our partners and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
"This investigation reinforces our recommendations to the leafy greens industry that producers should continue to review their practices and reinforces that traceability can assist with investigations."
Additional Information:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local partners, are investigating a third outbreak of foodborne illness of Shiga-toxin producing E. coli O157:H7 (STEC).
At this time, there is not enough epidemiologic and traceback evidence to determine if ill people in this outbreak were exposed to romaine lettuce from Tanimura & Antle, Inc.
The FDA and state partners are working with the firm to determine if additional romaine should be recalled. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Additional Resources:
Media Contact: Amanda Turney, 301-796-2969
Consumer Inquiries: 888-723-3366
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration