FDA Investigating Three Separate Romaine-Linked E. Coli Outbreaks
January 1, 2020 
The pre-Thanksgiving E. coli recall has become more complex. Two smaller outbreaks have joined that better known, widespread one.
One centers around Fresh Express salad kits.
“The FDA, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced an outbreak linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits. To date, the CDC reported eight confirmed cases in the U.S. across three states associated with this cluster of illnesses.The Public Health Agency of CanadaExternal Link Disclaimer also reports 24 cases in six Canadian provinces,” FDA reports in a public statement in December.
The third investigation is highly localized in Washington State. State officials link 10 confirmed and three probable cases to romaine consumption at a local restaurant chain.
The original E. coli recall and investigation continues. As of December 19, it has infected 138 people across 25 state, with more than half hospitalized. Fortunately, no deaths have occurred, although 13 developed the life-threatening kidney failure, hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Are the Three Outbreaks Actually One?
While investigating the main outbreak, Wisconsin Department of Health Service officials made a discovery that hints at a link to at least one of the other investigations.
“[Wisconsin officials] identified the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 in an unopened bag of Fresh Express ® brand Leafy Green Romaine collected from an ill person’s home. Salinas, California was the source of the romaine identified in the bag,” CDC’s latest update on December 19 reports.
Investigators traced the main outbreak to Salinas.
FDA and CDC, however, are keeping each of these investigations separate at this time.
That said, traceback records suggests these may all be different faces of the same outbreak.
“The FDA, CDC, and our state partners have identified a common grower between each of the outbreaks, which is a notable development,” the FDA reports says.
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