2 In MA Sickened By E. Coli From Romaine Lettuce: CDC

Two people in Massachusetts have been infected with E. coli as part of a multi-state outbreak linked to romaine lettuce, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is advising against eating, serving or selling romaine. Thirty-two people from 11 states have been infected with the outbreak strain, with illnesses starting on dates ranging from Oct. 8 to Oct. 31, the CDC said in an alert.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has also identified 18 cases in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, and the CDC said evidence in both countries indicates romaine lettuce as a likely source.

Because "no common grower, supplier, distributor, or brand of romaine lettuce has been identified" in connection with the outbreak, the CDC is advising consumers avoid romaine lettuce, including throwing out any in their home and sanitizing refrigerator shelves where romaine had been stored.

Here's what the CDC further said about the advice to throw away any type of romaine lettuce:

• This advice includes all types or uses of romaine lettuce, such as whole heads of romaine, hearts of romaine, and bags and boxes of precut lettuce and salad mixes that contain romaine, including baby romaine, spring mix, and Caesar salad.
• If you do not know if the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix contains romaine, do not eat it and throw it away.
• Wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in refrigerators where romaine was stored. Follow these five steps to clean your refrigerator.

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell any romaine lettuce, including salads and salad mixes containing romaine, the CDC said.

State House News Service contributed to this report

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