7 E. coli Cases Potentially Linked To Seattle Restaurant

SEATTLE, WA — King County Public Health is investigating an outbreak of E. coli in Seattle, possibly linked to a salad restaurant chain. According to health officials, six out of seven people who became sick between November 10 and November 15 ate at Evergreens locations in Seattle. The cases include six adults and one child. One person was hospitalized and later discharged. Public Health said an investigation is ongoing, and they do not have a definitive source of the illnesses.

Tests performed on four patients tested positive for the same strain of E. coli, likely sharing the same origin for the infection. According to Public Health, the strain in these cases is different from the illnesses reported in a multi-state outbreak linked to romaine lettuce grown in Salinas, California.

Public Health sent investigators to the Evergreen locations in the University District, International District, Pioneer Square, and Downtown, at Third and Marion. Investigators said they did not find any risk factors, like faulty temperature control, or a lack of handwashing and any of the locations visited.

Public Health said several people who fell ill said they had also eaten raw vegetables from places other than Evergreens, leaving open the possibility that their illnesses could be unrelated to the restaurant. Results from an analysis of the samples collected from the four restaurants are still pending. The Washington Department of Agriculture will work with federal agencies to trace where the ingredients came from.

Health officials said the restaurant voluntarily asked all locations to throw away romaine lettuce products and sanitize all utensils.

Evergreens released a statement Wednesday morning:

"Evergreen's is committed to the health and safety of our employees and guests and we are working closely with the Health Department. Evergreen's has set-up a dedicated toll-free phone line for those who may have questions or issues. We encourage our guests with questions to reach out to us at our toll-free number 877-394-4146."

Tips To Protect From E. coli

• Regularly wash, rinse and sanitize display cases, cutting boards, refrigerators, and other food contact surfaces where potentially contaminated products were stored in order to avoid cross contamination of surfaces.
• Wash hands with hot water and soap following the cleaning and sanitation process.
• Always wash all leafy greens (e.g., romaine lettuce) with water thoroughly before use.
• Always store cut leafy greens in the refrigerator under temperature control 41ºF or below.