E. coli 0145 Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce

The recent outbreaks of E. coli O145 may be linked to romaine lettuce sold to dining institutions and restaurants. According to the Associated Press, The New York Department of Health reported finding E. coli O145 in shredded romaine lettuce while investigating a cluster of illnesses caused by E. coli O145, a shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

Fruits and vegetables, like romaine lettuce, can carry pathogens from the soil or from water. They may be washed or irrigated with water contaminated by animal manure or human sewage. Leafy greens, including romaine lettuce, are the produce most often associated with foodborne illness. Since 1996, leafy greens have accounted for 34 percent of outbreaks of microbial contamination, 10 percent of illnesses and one-third of deaths, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

E. coli 0145 Illnesses

The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from E. coli 0145 or another foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.

As of now, there are over a twenty individuals that have become ill from consuming E. coli O145, many of whom have been hospitalized and some of the victims have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life threatening complication. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also reported that they are investigating other possible victims who may be linked to E. coli O145 poisoning. Many of the E. coli 0145 victims are middle school, high school and college students who ate in school cafeterias.

Romaine Lettuce Recalled Due to E. coli 0145 Risk

Freshway Foods:

Freshway Foods of Sidney, Ohio has recalled romaine lettuce sold and distributed in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The recalled lots of romaine lettuce were sold under the brand names Freshway and Imperial Sysco to restaurants, delis, wholesalers, institutions and college dining facilities.

Vaughn Foods:

Vaughan Foods of Moore, Oklahoma, a supplier of processed and packaged lettuce for use at the foodservice level, has also recalled romaine lettuce it sold to restaurants and food service facilities.

E. coli 0145 Linked to Romaine Lettuce Grown in Yuma, Arizona

According to the FDA, a farm in Yuma, Arizona grew the romaine lettuce supplied to Freshway Foods/Imperial Sysco. Lettuce from the same farm was also distributed to a California-based growing and shipping company, Andrew Smith Co. Andrew Smith Co. then sold the romaine lettuce to Vaughn Foods in Oklahoma, who later recalled it, and an additional food service company in Massachusetts, who Andrew Smith Co. is declining to name.

Officials are still trying to pinpoint where in the supply chain the contamination with E. coli 0145 occurred. Health agencies are investigating both the farm and the production facilities that processed the romaine lettuce.

About E. coli 0145

E. coli O145 is similar to E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium commonly linked to food recalls. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, such as E. coli O145 produce a poison that can cause the blood to improperly clot resulting in a life threatening condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can lead to organ failure, typically the kidneys. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is fatal for about 5-10% of its victims.

Individuals infected with E. coli might initially show no signs of illness. For those who become ill, most experience about 5 to 7 days of illness from the E. coli poisoning. Generally the illness resolves without intervention, but for a few victims, the illness can develop into severe and life threatening complications.

Advocating for Food Safety: Your Legal Rights

If you or a loved one has been harmed by romaine lettuce tainted with E. coli 0145 or another contaminated food, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries. Contact our law firm to discuss your legal rights. Call us at 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.