FDA Quietly Closes Outbreak Investigation Naming Romaine Lettuce as Cause

FDA quietly closes outbreak investigation naming romaine lettuce as cause

The Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate multiple outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, many with the source of the pathogens unknown. However, for the first time the agency is reporting that romaine lettuce was the vehicle of an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. The FDA first posted the outbreak

FDA Now Says, “Romaine Calm.” Romaine Lettuce Caused a Summer 2026 E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak. It Waited Until It Closed the File, and It Named No Grower and No Processor – Again.

On September 10, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration closed its investigation into a fourteen-person E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, reference #1382, and for the first time told the public what the food was: romaine lettuce. It named no grower, no processor, no brand and no state where anyone got sick. It said the lettuce was past...