E. Coli Threat: Romaine Lettuce Recall In Missouri

MISSOURI — California-based vegetable grower Tanimura & Antle is recalling packages of single-head romaine lettuce because of possible contamination with E. coli, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The lettuce was shipped to Missouri and 19 other states, plus Puerto Rico, officials said.

There have been no illnesses reported as a result of the possible contamination.

The lettuce is labeled with a packed-on date of 10/15/2020 or 10/16/2020 and a UPC number of 0-27918-20314-9. No other products or pack dates are being recalled.

Tanimura & Antle tells consumers who have purchased the lettuce to throw it away.

States included in the recall are Missouri, Illinois, Alaska, California, Oregon, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, New Mexico, South Carolina, Washington, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Massachusetts and Puerto Rico.

For retailers and distributors, the lettuce can be traced through the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) sticker attached to the outside of the case. The PTI codes are 571280289SRS1 and 571280290SRS1.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of E. coli infection "vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/38.5˚C). Most people get better within five to seven days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening."

People should call their doctor if they have diarrhea that lasts for more than three days or is accompanied by a fever over 102, or have blood in their stool or if they become dehydrated.

The FDA cautions, "Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death."

If you have any questions, call the Tanimura & Antle Consumer Hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 877-827-7388.

Bea Karnes, Patch staff, contributed to this reporting.