Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Lettuce: What the FDA Didn’t Reveal About the 1 Fatality and Dozens of Illnesses
In late 2024, a deadly E. coli outbreak linked to contaminated romaine lettuce swept across the U.S., but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chose not to inform the public about this critical food safety issue. An investigation by NBC News has revealed the alarming circumstances surrounding this decision, raising concerns about transparency and public health safety.
This particular strain of E. coli, known as O157:H7, resulted in numerous illnesses and one fatality, affecting individuals in 15 states. Despite the severity of the outbreak, the FDA closed the investigation without issuing any public announcement, claiming that the outbreak was over by the time they confirmed the source of contamination. Here’s what you need to know about this outbreak and its implications for food safety.
What We Know About the Outbreak
During November 2024, a total of 89 individuals contracted the dangerous E. coli strain O157:H7 across the following states:
- Missouri: 50 cases
- Indiana: 8 cases
- Ohio: 8 cases
- Illinois: 7 cases
- Nebraska: 3 cases
- Arizona: 2 cases
- North Dakota: 2 cases
- Wisconsin: 2 cases
- Colorado: 1 case
- Kansas: 1 case
- Kentucky: 1 case
- Montana: 1 case
- Pennsylvania: 1 case
- South Dakota: 1 case
- Tennessee: 1 case
The outbreak resulted in 36 hospitalizations, including seven instances of hemolytic uremic syndrome—an acute kidney condition—and one reported death. Victims ranged in age from 4 to 90 years old.
Following an investigation, the FDA traced the outbreak back to contaminated romaine lettuce but did not disclose the identity of the grower, citing confidentiality. Despite concluding the investigation on January 15, 2025, the FDA failed to communicate vital information to the public regarding the outbreak.
Why Didn’t the FDA Go Public?
While the FDA included the E. coli outbreak in their Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks table in February, they did not release a press announcement, which is typically expected for such serious cases. An FDA spokesperson stated that the agency did not inform the public because the outbreak was deemed over and there was no “actionable advice” for consumers.
Sarah Sorscher, JD, MPH, from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, noted that it is common for the FDA and CDC to issue warnings when actionable information is available. “They’ve decided not to put out a public statement because, essentially, the lettuce is already in the trash,” she remarked.
However, food safety advocates argue that consumers deserve to be informed about such outbreaks, even if the immediate threat has passed. “From a consumer perspective, you want to know that information because you want there to be some heat on that grower to change their food safety practices,” Sorscher added.
Furthermore, allegations have surfaced linking Taylor Farms to the contaminated lettuce through multiple lawsuits, although the company vehemently denies these claims, asserting that their products were not the source of the outbreak.
Is Our Food Safety System Still Working?
Despite the FDA’s assertion that their actions are in line with long-standing policy, experts believe that public notification during such outbreaks should be prioritized. Lewis Ziska, PhD, emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, “To not announce it is antithetical to everything I know about their past history.”
However, recent staffing cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services raise concerns about the FDA’s capacity to effectively monitor and communicate food safety issues. Although the federal food investigation team remains largely intact, previous reductions have diminished support at the state level, impacting outbreak investigations.
Moreover, the HHS has significantly reduced the FDA’s communications team, which is essential for publicizing outbreaks and recalls. “It’s definitely moving in the wrong direction,” cautioned Sorscher.
Despite assurances from the FDA about continuing to relay crucial food safety information, skepticism remains among food safety experts regarding the effectiveness of FDA’s oversight system. “If you look at the larger infrastructure of food safety at the FDA, it’s been significantly weakened,” Eskin noted.
What This Means For You
Even though the FDA may not notify the public about certain food contamination events, there are proactive measures you can adopt to reduce your risk of foodborne illness:
- Wash your hands and surfaces: Regularly clean your hands and cooking surfaces to prevent contamination.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw meats, fish, and poultry separate from other foods.
- Cook food thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to safe temperatures.
- Store food properly: Refrigerate perishables and leftovers within two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
When handling leafy greens, look for signs of rot and excess moisture, which can harbor pathogens like E. coli. Additionally, remain vigilant for symptoms of foodborne illness such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist for more than two days.
While personal precautions are essential, experts concur that robust government oversight is critical for safeguarding public health against foodborne pathogens. “The public has no backup option when it comes to solving outbreaks,” Sorscher concluded. “We need a system that protects us, and that’s what we’re on the cusp of losing here.”
