Romaine lettuce linked to E.Coli probably from California

Federal health officials said contaminated lettuce that led to a national food safety alert should not consume romaine lettuce, likely from California. Scott Gottlieb, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, said the goal is to remove the product likely to be contaminated and then replenish the market.

In a Twitter feed on Thanksgiving Day, Gottlieb explained that much of the reason why such a broad warning was issued was that some lettuce packages do not specify where the product was grown.

Most of the romaine lettuce currently on the market comes from California, according to Gottlieb. The new romaine lettuce will soon be harvested in Yuma, Florida and in other regions, Gottlieb said.

Dr. Gottlieb also said that the FDA will make special efforts to sample and test Romaine lettuce for any trace of contamination, and consider why the authorities plan to maintain certain risks with romaine.

On Friday, Gottlieb said via Twitter that officials are working with producers and distributors on product labeling for their location and harvest date.

"We want to help unaffected producers resume production and allow stores and consumers to replenish their stocks," Gottlieb said. "One of the goals we are looking for is to make this type of labeling the new standard rather than a short-term solution, in order to improve the efficiency of the product." 39, identification and traceability in the system. "

Photo via Shutterstock

Receive the Across California Newsletters

Subscribe