Illnesses grow in E. coli outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated the details of the E. coli outbreak linked, but not confirmed, to lettuce at Wendy’s restaurants in four Midwestern states.

As of August 25, CDC says there are 84 illnesses, 38 hospitalizations and no deaths in four states, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Wendy’s removed lettuce from its sandwiches in those areas, so CDC is not advising that people avoid eating at Wendy’s restaurants or that people stop eating romaine lettuce.

CDC said:

A specific food has not yet been confirmed as the source of this outbreak, but many sick people reported eating sandwiches with romaine lettuce at Wendy’s restaurants in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania before getting sick. Based on this information, Wendy’s has taken the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants in that region. Wendy’s uses a different type of romaine lettuce for salads. Investigators are working to confirm whether romaine lettuce is the source of this outbreak, and whether romaine lettuce used in Wendy’s sandwiches was served or sold at other businesses. Wendy’s is fully cooperating with the investigation.
• Wendy’s has taken the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants in this region.
• At this time, there is no evidence to indicate that romaine lettuce sold in grocery stores, served in other restaurants, or in people’s homes is linked to this outbreak.
• CDC will update this advice if the investigation identifies foods to avoid.