Does Pre-Cut Lettuce Pose Food Poisoning Risk?
The ongoing E. coli outbreak linked to tainted romaine lettuce is posing questions regarding the risks with pre-cut produce, such as lettuce, versus whole vegetables, reports The Washington Post. This particular outbreak involved cut and bagged romaine lettuce and is not the first such outbreak of its kind, noted the Washington Post. Since March 1, 23 people in four states have fallen ill as a result of the tainted lettuce. An additional seven potential cases are being investigated; 23 states and the District of Columbia have been impacted; there have also been 12 hospitalizations, with three people developing kidney failure, said The Washington Post, citing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most of the lettuce involved in the related recalls was sold to food service establishments; the recall does not affect bagged lettuce in the grocery store. Meanwhile, the FDA is investigating a Yuma, Arizona farm where the romaine lettuce was harvested and is attempting to
