Bagged Lettuce Suspected Cause of E.Coli Outbreak

As a followup to our recent post about several dozen people sickened by E.coli-contaminated lettuce, investigators have identified pre-cut romaine lettuce as the likely culprit. This outbreak is the latest in a number of food poisoning cases involving pre-shredded, green leafy vegetables. The romaine lettuce in question in the latest outbreak was sold to supermarkets and food service corporations for use in salad bars and “Grab ‘n Go” salads. Pre-cut lettuce and other produce processed in the field can come into contact with contaminants and bacteria from the soil, including E.coli, that cannot easily be removed. One expert, who avoids pre-lettuces, said: “…they’re starting it (processing) right out in the dirt. It’s a very hazardous practice.”  (5/18) Washington Post