Foodborne Illnesses / /

Romaine lettuce recalled after being linked to E.coli cluster of illnesses.

As of November 9, 2020, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) advised consumers to not consume Tanimura & Antle brand romaine lettuce. When this lettuce was randomly tested from a Walmart in Comstock Park, MI, the sample showed that it had been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services laboratory continued to test this product and confirmed that it was positive for a strain of E. coli genetically similar to E. coli causing two recent illnesses in Michigan.

In total, 18 people were infected with the outbreak strain of E.coli O157:H7, in 9 states. The illness began on September 2, 2020 and continued until November 6, 2020. Six people were hospitalized, no deaths were reported.

Of the 13 people interviewed, all reported eating various leafy greens, including romaine lettuce (9), spinach (9), and iceberg lettuce (7). Laboratory testing identified the outbreak strain in a sample of Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce in a single-head package; it was recalled on November 6, 2020. None of those interviewed reported eating Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce, and some became ill prior to the "packed on" dates for the recalled products.

The FDA conducted traceback investigations and worked with state officials to inspect several farms. However, none of their findings determined with certainty a common source of the tainted product. There was inadequate information for investigators to identify the likely source in the distribution chain or link the farms to the outbreak. As of December 18, 2020 this outbreak is over.

Two additional investigations into E.coli tainted lettuce.

As of October 28, 2020, the FDA, CDC and local and state health officials were investigating two different E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks that are recurring, emerging, or persistent strains of this pathogen. In order to rule out foods that may be contaminated. The epidemiological and traceback investigation was a coordinated effort between different agencies, with on-site inspections and sampling being conducted to help determine more specific conclusions.


In the first outbreak, a total of 32 people were infected with E. coli O157:H7 which was reported in twelve states. Illnesses began on June 6, 2020, to October 25, 2020. Ill people ranged in age from 2 to 75 years, with a median age of 27 years, with 72% percent of those ill being female. Of 16 ill people with information available, 15 hospitalizations have been reported, including 1 person who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure. One death has been reported from Michigan.

People infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7, by state of residence, as of December 16, 2020 (n=32)

Map of United States - People infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli, by state of residence, as of December 16, 2020


When those who became ill were interviewed, they reported eating at the same restaurant and had eaten multiple common foods. However, after the CDC analyzed the interview data, they were unable to identify a specific food item that could have been the cause of the outbreak. In addition, the FDA did traceback investigations for several of the food items served at the restaurant and were also unable to positively identify a common source in the distribution chain. This investigation is complete as there was not enough information to determine a likely source.

In the second outbreak, a total of 40 people were sickened with E.coli O157:H7 in 19 states. Illnesses started on August 10, 2020, and continued until October 31, 2020. Of those ill, 60% percent were female, with ages ranging from 1 to 85 years. Twenty people were hospitalized, with 4 developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a failure of the kidneys. No deaths were reported.

People infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7, by state of residence, as of December 18, 2020 (n=40)

Map of United States - People infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli, by state of residence, as of December 21, 2020


Of the 23 ill people interviewed in this outbreak, 22 reported eating a variety of leafy greens including spinach (16) and romaine lettuce (15). Traceback investigations conducted by the FDA and public health officials led to several leafy green farms. They collected environmental samples and conducted inspections of the farms. However, no single farm was identified as the common source of the leafy greens. The FDA is analyzing the samples and continuing their investigations to identify the source of this E.coli outbreak.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The E. coli lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness infections and have recovered over $700 million for clients in the last 25 years. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. Our E. coli lawyers have litigated E. coli and HUS cases stemming from outbreaks traced to ground beef, raw milk, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other food products. The law firm has brought E. coli lawsuits against such companies as Jack in the Box, Dole, ConAgra, Cargill, and Jimmy John’s. We have proudly represented such victims as Brianne Kiner, Stephanie Smith and Linda Rivera.

Managing partner, Bill Marler, began litigating foodborne illness cases in 1993, when he represented Brianne Kiner, the most seriously injured survivor of the historic Jack in the Box E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, in her landmark $15.6 million settlement with the company. The 2011 book, Poisoned: The True Story of the Deadly E. coli Outbreak that Changed the Way Americans Eat, by best-selling author Jeff Benedict, chronicles the Jack in the Box outbreak and the rise of Bill Marler as a food safety attorney.

All Resources

E. coli
E. coli Food Poisoning
E. coli O157:H7
Non-O157 STEC
Sources of E. coli
Transmission of and Infection with E. coli
Symptoms of E. coli infection
Complications of E. coli infection
Treatment for E. coli infection
How is E. coli Infection Diagnosed?
Preventing E. coli Infection
E. coli Outbreaks
Real Life Impacts of E. coli Infection and HUS
E. coli Recalls
References
Salmonella
Salmonella Food Poisoning
The Incidence of Salmonella Infections
The Prevalence of Salmonella in Food and Elsewhere
Transmission of Salmonella Bacteria
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Complications of Salmonella Infection
How is Salmonella Infection Diagnosed?
Treatment for Salmonella Infection
Antimicrobial Resistance
The Economic Impact of Salmonella Infections
Real Life Impacts of Salmonella Infection
How to Prevent a Salmonella Infection
Salmonella Outbreaks
Salmonella Outbreak at Minnesota Chipotle Sickens 64 People
Citterio Salame Stick Oubreak
Salmonella Recalls
Listeria
Listeria Food Poisoning
The Incidence of Listeria Infections
The Prevalence of Listeria in Food and the Environment
Transmission of and Infection with Listeria
Who is Most at Risk of Becoming Ill with Listeria?
What Are the Symptoms of Listeria Infection?
Complications of Listeria Infection
How is Listeria Infection Diagnosed?
Treatment for Listeria Infection
Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria
The Economic Impact of Listeria Infections
Preventing Listeria Infection
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A Food Poisoning
The Incidence of Hepatitis A Infection
Transmission of Hepatitis A
Symptoms of Hepatitis A Infection
Complications of Hepatitis A Infection
Diagnosis of Hepatitis A Infection
Treatment for Hepatitis A Infection
Real Life Impacts of Hepatitis A Infection
Real Life Impacts: The Story of Michael
Real Life Impacts: The Story of Ben and Lynn
Real Life Impacts: The Story of Richard Miller
How to Prevent Hepatitis A Infection
Outbreaks of Hepatitis A
Norovirus
Norovirus Food Poisoning
Symptoms and Risks of Norovirus Infection
How is Norovirus Infection Diagnosed?
Treatment for Norovirus Infection
Preventing Norovirus Infection
Botulism
What is Botulism?
Epidemiology and Microbiology of Botulism
Symptoms of Botulism
Detection and Treatment of Botulism
Botulism Outcomes and Long-Term and Permanent Injury
Preventing Botulism
Botulism Outbreaks
Campylobacter
Campylobacter Food Poisoning
The Incidence of Campylobacter Infections
The Prevalence of Campylobacter in Food and Elsewhere
Transmission of Campylobacter jejuni
Symptoms of Campylobacter infection
Complications of Campylobacter Infection
Diagnosis of a Campylobacter Infection
Treatment for Campylobacter Infection
The Economic Impact of Campylobacter Infections
Real Life Impacts of Campylobacter Infection
Mari Tardiff's Story
How Can Campylobacter Food Poisoning Be Prevented?
Cyclospora
Cyclospora Food Poisoning
Epidemiology of Cyclospora
Cyclospora’s Mode of Infection
Symptoms of Cyclospora Infection
How is Cyclospora Diagnosed?
Cyclosporiasis Treatment
What Are the Serious and Long-term Risks of Cyclospora Infection?
Cyclospora Outbreaks
Shigella
Shigella Food Poisoning
The Incidence of Shigella Infection
The Prevalence of Shigella in Food and Elsewhere
How is Shigella Infection Spread?
Symptoms of Shigella Infection
Complications of Shigella Infection
How is Shigellosis Diagnosed?
Treatment for Shigella Infection
The Economic Impact of Shigella Infections
How to Prevent Shigella Infection
Reactive Arthritis
What is Reactive Arthritis?
Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis
How is Reactive Arthritis Diagnosed?
What is the Prognosis for People Who Have Reactive Arthritis?
Treatment for Reactive Arthritis
Can Reactive Arthritis be Prevented?
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
Symptoms of HUS
Treatment for HUS
HUS Outcomes
HUS and Kidney Transplantation
HUS Research
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Causes of IBS
Post-Infectious IBS
Dyspepsia and Gastroparesis
IBS Diagnosis
IBS Treatment
Irritable Bowel Syndrome References
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
How is Guillain-Barré Syndrome Diagnosed?
Treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Preventing Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Reactive Arthritis References
Norovirus References
Botulism References
Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria
Shigella References
Campylobacter References
Cyclospora References
Guillain-Barre References
HUS References
Hepatitis A References
Listeria References