Is there a romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak in Michigan? State health officials are investigating the source of an E. coli outbreak that includes two people. Genetic analysis shows the strain is highly related to one recovered from a product sample of romaine lettuce packed in single heads.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) discovered E. coli O157:H7 in a routine sample of the lettuce collected from a Walmart store in Comstock Park, MI. When investigators from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services conducted further analysis, they found that the strain of E. coli recovered from the romaine product sample is highly related genetically to E. coli strain causing two recent illnesses in Michigan.
Yesterday afternoon, MDARD issued a Consumer Advisory for Tanimura & Antle brand of whole heads of romaine lettuce, advising consumers not to eat the product due to food safety concerns and explaining the genetic relation of the product and outbreak strain. Hours later, the company issued a recall for Tanimura & Antle brand single-head romaine lettuce with “packed on” dates of 10/15/2020 or 10/16/2020, due to possible contamination with E. coli 0157:H7. That recall announcement states “There have been no reported illnesses associated with the recalled product.”
Walmart and Food Lion both posted recalls for Tanimura & Antle brand of whole heads of romaine lettuce on their websites last night. Other retailers may also be affected by the recall.
Ongoing Multistate E. coli Outbreaks
There are two ongoing multistate E. coli outbreaks where leafy greens or romaine are the suspected source. Illnesses in Michigan are reported in both of those outbreaks. There is no information linking the two illnesses Michigan is now investigating with these outbreaks.
If you developed an E. coli infection from romaine lettuce you purchased from a grocery store and would like a free consultation with an experienced E. coli lawyer, please contact the Pritzker Hageman E. coli Legal Team. We have represented clients in every major E. coli outbreak in the U.S. You can reach us by calling 1-888-377-8900, sending a text to 612-261-0856, or by completing the form below. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.
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