FDA covered up deadly E. coli outbreak: How to prevent infection?

In November 2024, a deadly E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce affected 15 states, with one death and sickening many, however, chances are you have never heard of it. An FDA report obtained by NBC News says that 89 people across 15 states were infected in an E. coli outbreak in November. The FDA, however, chose not to disclose what happened or name the companied that sold the contaminated lettuce, and closed its investigation in February.

According to the report, the outbreak killed one and sickened at least 88, including a 9-year-old boy who nearly died of kidney failure. Details of the deceased are not provided. Among the infected was a 57-year-old woman from Missouri, who got sick after attending a funeral. “There were no public communications related to this outbreak,” the FDA said in its report, as per the publication. Though federal officials are not required by law to reveal detailed information about all known outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, in recent years, the agency has been transparent, owing to public health concerns.

Federal officials are not required by law to reveal detailed information about all known outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, and there are reasons the FDA may choose not to publicize an outbreak, including when the cause is unknown or when officials are still working behind the scenes with the companies responsible.

With the outbreak now over but concerns still fresh, many are asking: How can we protect ourselves from E. coli infections, especially from foods like lettuce?

What is an E. coli infection?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals. They are found in the environment, foods, water, and the intestines of people and animals. Though most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses.

You can get E. coli through contaminated food or water, or contact with animals, environments, or other people.

What are the symptoms of E. coli infection?

The symptoms typically begin 3 to 4 days after exposure, but can appear anywhere from 1 to 10 days. Common symptoms of E. coli include:

• abdominal cramps
  
• diarrhea (often containing blood)
  
• tiredness
  
• fever that's typically under 101° F
  
• nausea and vomiting
  

Is Romaine lettuce more prone to contamination?

Leafy greens, especially Romaine lettuce and spinach, are more prone to contamination. As these leafy greens are grown close to the ground, they can come into contact with animal feces, contaminated soil, or tainted irrigation water. Unlike fruits or vegetables with peels, leafy greens are often eaten raw, without a cooking step that could kill harmful bacteria. It is important to understand that contamination can also occur during harvesting, packaging, or transportation, especially in large-scale production
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How to prevent E. coli infection?

The best way to avoid getting E. coli is to follow best practices for food handling and cooking. Also, maintain good personal hygiene.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the vegetables.
  
• Wash raw vegetables before eating.
  
• Even if labeled 'pre-washed' or 'ready to eat,' rinse leafy greens under running water.
  
• Cook vegetables.
  
• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping your hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils clean.
  
• If you’re cooking meat, use a food thermometer to make sure the meat has reached a safe minimum cooking temperature.
  
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.