As we reported on this blog last week, FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state and local agencies, were investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses that was likely linked to romaine lettuce. On November 20, the CDC advised consumers not to eat any romaine lettuce, and retailers and restaurants not to serve or sell any until more was known about the source of the outbreak. We also noted that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency also were coordinating with U.S. agencies as they investigated a similar outbreak in Canada.

On November 26, FDA announced that the E. coli O157:H7 illnesses were likely linked to romaine lettuce grown in California this fall. Preliminary traceback information indicates that ill people were exposed to romaine lettuce harvested in the central coast growing regions of northern and central California, the Agency reported. Consequently, FDA said that consumers and retailers no longer need to avoid using romaine lettuce that is certain to have been harvested from areas outside of the central coast growing regions of northern and central California.

FDA further announced that—based on discussions with producers and distributors—romaine lettuce entering the market will now be labeled with a harvest location and date or labeled as being grown hydroponically or in a greenhouse. “If it does not have this information, you should not eat or use it,” FDA cautioned. The United Fresh Produce Association issued a press release on November 26 confirming that a labeling agreement was negotiated between FDA and a number of romaine grow-shipper-processors, who pledged to label their romaine products with the region where they were grown and the approximate harvest date. Other produce associations, including the United Fresh Produce Association, also agreed to support the initiative, according to the release.