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.”
