Around 37 people, including children, had been down or hospitalized with an E. coli infection in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, prompting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct an investigation.
While the source of the E. coli outbreak has not yet been confirmed, Wendy's outlets in these particular states are cooperating with the authorities and taking the initiative to stop using Romain lettuces for its sandwiches. The fast-food chain, however, said that its famous salads use different lettuce; thus, it's not part of the investigation.
The CDC said in a statement there is still no advice for Wendy's to stop selling the products as of press time. However, the company wants to err on the side of caution after reports showed that most of the sick ate Wendy's sandwiches.
As of Friday, August 19, 19 people had E. coli infection in Ohio, 15 in Michigan, two in Pennsylvania, and one in Indiana. At least three cases involved patients with the hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. Around ten people have been admitted to the hospital. The patients were between 11 to 72 years old.
Lettuce, a 'culprit food' with E. coli
Dr. Darin Detwiler of Northeastern University's food policy said that lettuce is known as a "culprit food" with E.coli. Since lettuce does not require cooking, eating this leafy vegetable from the farm to the table does not entail a "kill step" that usually eliminates foodborne pathogens, per ABC News.
The expert, who lost a toddler due to an E. coli outbreak in 1993, said that many illnesses and lettuce recalls occur every harvest season. He commended Wendy's for taking the lead and cooperating with the investigations, citing that the fast-food chain has "seen outbreaks like this before."
The CDC, however, said that lettuces sold at grocery stores or served in other restaurants bear no evidence of the outbreak's source. However, those with the symptoms are encouraged to see a doctor as soon as possible.
E. coli outbreak symptoms vary from person to person based on their resistance and tolerance. However, common indicators of a possible infection include stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea with fever, diarrhea with blood, and dehydration. Most patients will usually recover even without treatments within five to seven days.
How to avoid E. coli infection
The best prevention against an E. coli infection is to cook the food properly to kill the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC, according to WebMD. Before preparing food, proper handwashing will also help stop the bacterial outbreak.
With lettuce, however, taking extra care with washing makes all the difference. The best way to do this is to let it run under running water for a few minutes. It's not necessary to soak leafy greens as this may spread the germs faster.
Gently rub the leaves for any germ or dirt while the water runs. Remove any torn or bruised leaves and throw away the outer leaves of lettuce heads. Dry the lettuce using a paper towel.
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