One Source of Romaine Related E. Coli Outbreak Found So Far

Authorities have been able to trace at least one source of the E. Coli outbreak from romaine lettuce to a farm in central California.

Through their investigation, teams from the FDA’s Produce Safety Network, California Department of Public Health, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the CDC were able to identify one sample that contained the strain related to the current E. coli outbreak. The sample was identified as being from one ranch owned and operated by Adam Bros. Farming, Inc., in Santa Barbara County.

The FDA has been able to confirm that Adam Bros. Farming hasn’t shipped any romaine lettuce since November 20, 2018. Health officials are working with Adam Bros. Farming to determine how the contamination occurred and what corrective actions need to be taken before the next season.

Adam Bros. is cooperating with the FDA and CDC and have committed to recalling any and all products that may have come into contact with water from the reservoir where the outbreak strain was identified.

According to officials, the identification of this source explains some of the illnesses, but not all, and they will continue working to assess what other farms are sources of the outbreak.

Health officials are recommending that consumers and retailers avoid romaine lettuce that originated from the following California counties: Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Barbara.

They are also reminding consumers to ensure the romaine they purchase has a tag on the product that indicates the location and date of harvest or that the lettuce was hydroponically or green-house grown.

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