Congressman Panetta Addresses New Findings Related to Concurrent E. Coli Outbreaks Associated with Leafy Greens

SALINAS, CA – Yesterday, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) met with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas, to discuss new findings and the current status of the romaine lettuce E. coli O157:H7 outbreak.

The FDA is conducting traceback investigations into three separate outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7, each caused by a different strain. In addition to the outbreak associated with Salinas-harvested romaine, the FDA is investigating an outbreak linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits and a smaller outbreak linked to romaine lettuce served at a Washington state restaurant chain. Currently, the tracebacks on all three outbreaks have identified a common grower in Salinas.

Congressman Panetta said, "Yesterday, the FDA issued an update on the ongoing investigation related to concurrent E. Coli outbreaks. Prior to the release of this update, I met with FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas to discuss the agency's efforts to determine the root cause of each outbreak and steps forward.

"I will continue to work with the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and producers in the Salinas Valley to ensure that these investigations are completed in a timely manner so that our consumers are safe and our industry is secure in its production of leafy greens."

The FDA and CDC continue advising consumers not to eat lettuce harvested from Salinas, California. The CDC and FDA have advised consumers to not eat and throw away Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits with this identifying information: UPC 0 71279 30906 4, beginning with lot code Z, and a best-before date up to and including 07DEC19. This information is printed on the front of the bag in the top right corner.