FDA report into deadly E. coli outbreak went unpublicized despite affecting 15 states: report

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is facing criticism for not disclosing its own investigation report into an E. coli outbreak that occurred last year, affecting 89 individuals across 15 states, one of whom tragically lost their life. The outbreak was linked to romaine lettuce, with the first case reported in St. Louis County, Missouri, in early November 2024. The strain of E. coli responsible for the outbreak was identified as 0157:H7, a particularly dangerous strain known to cause severe illness.

According to the FDA report, about 95% of those who fell ill reported consuming leafy greens, with 88% specifically noting the consumption of romaine lettuce. The investigation led to a single grower and processor, with the romaine traced back to a common ranch and lot. However, the agency was unable to confirm the outbreak’s connection to that specific location as there was no infected lettuce left by the time investigators identified the source. Seven subclusters were identified, including cases at catered events, restaurants, and a school.

Despite the severity of the outbreak, the FDA did not publicly announce the results of its investigation. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among experts, including Frank Yiannas, the former deputy commissioner of food policy and response at the FDA. Yiannas emphasized the importance of disclosing the responsible party, as it could help consumers make informed decisions about their purchases and potentially prevent future outbreaks.

The FDA defended its decision, stating that they only name firms when there is enough evidence linking them to an outbreak and actionable advice for consumers. In this case, by the time investigators confirmed the likely source, the outbreak had already ended, and there was no actionable advice for consumers. The agency also mentioned that naming the firm may be legally prohibited in some cases.

In response to the outbreak, nine lawsuits have been filed against California-based Taylor Farms, one of the largest producers of salads and fresh-cut vegetables in the country. The lawsuits allege that Taylor Farms sold defective and unreasonably dangerous food products. However, Taylor Farms denied being the source of the outbreak, stating that their products undergo extensive testing for pathogens, and there was no evidence of contamination.

The outbreak occurred shortly after a McDonald’s E. coli outbreak linked to Taylor Farms, prompting the farm to voluntarily recall slivered onions supplied to the fast-food chain. Taylor Farms emphasized that E. coliO157:H7 comes from livestock, not fresh produce, and all their leafy greens undergo rigorous testing for pathogens.

Despite the challenges faced in identifying the exact source of the outbreak, both the FDA and Taylor Farms remain committed to prioritizing the health and safety of consumers. The ongoing investigations underscore the importance of stringent food safety measures and collaboration between regulatory agencies and food producers to prevent future outbreaks.