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Congressman Panetta Responds to Update on Origin of E. Coli Outbreak by FDA Commissioner Gottlieb

November 23, 2018

SALINAS, CA – Today, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) released the following statement in response to the update on the E. coli outbreak by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb:

"Today, FDA Commissioner Gottlieb identified the likely region of origin for the outbreak due to growing and harvesting patterns of romaine. Such a regional determination will allow FDA and CDC to best protect public health and help minimize crop losses not connected to this outbreak. Moving forward, these agencies must continue to further isolate the source of the outbreak through an expedited investigation. I appreciate Commissioner Gottlieb's response and will continue to advocate for a swift investigation with ample coordination and communication. It is paramount that the FDA, CDC, and key agriculture stakeholders continue to work together to protect the health of our consumers and strength of our food supply."