E. coli outbreak linked to lettuce spreads to 16 states

People in 16 states have fallen ill with a virulent strain of E. coli bacteria federal investigators have linked to chopped romaine lettuce grown in Yuma, Ariz. At least 53 people reported symptoms, and 31 patients required hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Investigators are still trying to link the lettuce to a specific grower, supplier, distributor, or brand. Some of the victims reported eating salads at restaurants that use the pre-cut lettuce. The last reported case dates back to April 6, but officials warn consumers might still have unopened bags that are contaminated. They urged shoppers to throw out any packaged romaine, even if they’ve already eaten some of it without incident. “If you cannot confirm the source of the romaine lettuce, do not buy it or eat it,” the CDC said in a statement. This is the second outbreak in the last six months connected to lettuce.