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E. Coli Outbreak in Romaine Lettuce Sickens Dozens, One Dead
A November E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce spread across 15 states, hospitalizing dozens and claiming one life. Among the victims were a 9-year-old Indiana boy who suffered near-fatal kidney failure and a Missouri woman who fell ill after a funeral luncheon. Despite the severity, the outbreak went largely unnoticed by the public.
The FDA quietly closed its investigation in February without identifying the source of the contaminated lettuce or detailing the extent of the outbreak. An internal FDA report obtained by NBC News reveals the agency’s reasoning: by the time investigators traced the pathogen’s origin, the contaminated lettuce was no longer available. The report, which acknowledges one death but provides no further details, states, “There were no public communications related to this outbreak.”
While the FDA isn’t legally obligated to disclose information about every foodborne illness outbreak, this silence marks a departure from the agency’s recent trend towards transparency. Former FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas expressed concern over the lack of public information, particularly the failure to identify the grower or processor. He argues this withholds vital information consumers need to make informed decisions and may leave individuals unaware of the outbreak’s connection to their illness.
The FDA maintains its response aligned with policy. A spokesperson stated the agency names firms when sufficient evidence exists, and doing so provides actionable advice for consumers. In this case, the outbreak had ended, and no actionable advice was possible by the time the source was identified.
Food safety advocates disagree. They emphasize the importance of disclosure, enabling consumers to discard potentially contaminated stored lettuce and make future purchasing choices. “People have a right to know who’s selling contaminated products,” asserted Sandra Eskin, a food safety advocate and former USDA official.
The outbreak’s impact was deeply personal for many. In St.
Louis County, Missouri, health officials traced a cluster of E. coli cases to a local catering company. Among the victims was 15-year-old Austin Carnaghi, whose mother described his agonizing stomach cramps after eating a salad at a band banquet.
Meanwhile, in Indiana, 9-year-old Colton George battled life-threatening complications from the same E. coli strain. He spent his 10th birthday on dialysis and continues to suffer chronic pain and fatigue.
The Georges believe their son’s illness is connected to the Missouri cases. A lawsuit filed by the family alleges Taylor Farms, a major salad producer, supplied the contaminated lettuce.
Both families, along with other victims, have filed lawsuits against Taylor Farms. The company denies responsibility, stating their products were not the source and citing thorough third-party investigations and robust food safety controls.
The FDA declined to comment on Taylor Farms’ involvement, citing legal restrictions on disclosing confidential commercial information.
This incident follows a separate E. coli outbreak linked to Taylor Farms onions in October 2024, which resulted in over 100 illnesses and one death. In that instance, the FDA issued a public advisory.
The full scope of the romaine lettuce outbreak, including 89 confirmed cases across 15 states, only surfaced through public records requests. Former FDA officials like Yiannas advocate for greater transparency, even in cases without recalls, to inform the public and prevent future outbreaks. The FDA defends its approach, arguing public statements were unnecessary as the product was no longer in circulation.
Food safety experts counter that identifying the source holds companies accountable and encourages preventative measures. For families like the Georges, the FDA’s silence adds insult to injury.
As they grapple with medical bills and their son’s ongoing recovery, they believe the public deserves to know what happened. “It’s not fair for them to get off the hook,” said Amber George, Colton’s mother.
“People are still buying their product every day and have no idea.”