FDA Says Some Romaine Lettuce is Now Safe to Eat Again (Tainted Crop Came from California)

By Mary | Senior Staff Writer

Nov 28, 2018 @ 8:04 AM MST

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Been missing lettuce?

The FDA is updating its advice to consumers and saying that the tainted romaine lettuce that led to a massive E. coli outbreak appears to have come from the Central Coast region of California. They also stated that there’s no current recommendation to avoid romaine lettuce that has been harvested from areas outside of this region.

That means romaine lettuce from Yuma (Arizona), the California desert growing region near Imperial County and Riverside County, the state of Florida, and Mexico do not appear to be related to the current outbreak.

Here’s what the FDA said in a recent update…

There is no recommendation for consumers or retailers to avoid using romaine lettuce that is certain to have been harvested from areas outside of the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California. For example, romaine lettuce harvested from areas that include, but are not limited to the desert growing region near Yuma, the California desert growing region near Imperial County and Riverside County, the state of Florida, and Mexico, does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. Additionally, there is no evidence hydroponically- and greenhouse-grown romaine is related to the current outbreak.

NOTE: To make things easier for producers, distributors, and even consumers while shopping, romaine lettuce entering the market will now be labeled with a harvest location and a harvest date or labeled as being hydroponically- or greenhouse-grown. Note that if it does not have this information, you should not eat or use it.

Join The Discussion

Comments 16

Jackie November 28, 2018 at 8:32 am MST

I think I will still wait and see.

Sarah November 28, 2018 at 8:55 am MST

Ill stick with spring mix from now on. You can make a pretty good caesar with that!

Reply2

Steve R November 28, 2018 at 10:15 am MST

Most Spring Mix has Baby Romaine, Just FYI!

rebertram November 28, 2018 at 12:15 pm MST

I recomend that you read the label on your spring mix, mine had baby romaine in the mix!

Reply1

rebertram November 28, 2018 at 12:16 pm MST

*recommend

Julia November 28, 2018 at 8:58 am MST

Not sure that I am willing to risk it. So for now, I will keep eating cake!

Reply3

Meghan November 28, 2018 at 9:00 am MST

What a good idea Julia! 🙂

Cassie November 28, 2018 at 9:05 am MST

You’re my kind of people, Julia!

Reply1

L November 28, 2018 at 9:32 am MST

🤣🤣🤣

Collin (Mrs. Hip) November 28, 2018 at 12:20 pm MST

lol I’m with you all, Costco sheet cake here I come! 😂

Nubianqueen November 28, 2018 at 9:13 am MST

H20 lettuce grown in Guilford Connecticut is safe.

Patty November 28, 2018 at 10:55 am MST

Spinach salads for me!!!

hellfiregainz November 28, 2018 at 11:41 am MST

Anything has the risk of contamination. Canned foods, meats, vegetables, fruits. Even when you grow and butcher your own livestock.

Gisette November 28, 2018 at 12:35 pm MST

Nah, this marathoner steers clear of lettuce 🥬 Not worth the risk no matter what the CDC may put out there-🤷🏼‍♀️

Judy Trac PharmD November 28, 2018 at 12:37 pm MST

I had romaine lettuce and didn’t throw it out. I just gave it to my boyfriend’s big family lol

Reply1