The Food and Medicines Administration (FDA) is being criticized for not advertising its own report at an E. coli outbreak last year that spread in 15 states and infected 89 people, one of whom died, according to a TKTKT report.
The outbreak was linked to Roman lettuce, with the first case registered in St. Louis County in Missouri in early November 2024, but the agency could not confirm the source in its investigation, which in a report it made in February.
In total, 36 people were hospitalized and 7 people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (Hus), a severe renal disorder. Details about death are not clear. The E. coli was 0157: H7: a particularly dangerous strain that can cause serious illness.
This image of electronic scanning microscope, released by the centers for disease control and prevention, shows bacteria E. coli of the CEPA O157: H7, capable of causing diseases through its powerful toxin. (Janice Haney Carr/CDC through AP)
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According to the FDA report, approximately 95% of those infected reported that they ate green leafy vegetables and 88% of them. The report came to light after NBC news requested a request for public records related to ongoing litigation.
The FDA tracking led to a single producer and processor, with the Romaine tracked to a common ranch and lot. But the agency could not confirm the outbreak as connected to that location, since there was no infected lettuce when the researchers learned where E. coli came from.
Seven subclusters were identified, even in caterebro events, restaurants and a school.
Then, the FDA concluded its final report in February, but wrote the name of the common ranch that investigated as the source.
In addition, despite the seriousness of the outbreak, the FDA did not publicly announce the result of its investigation. “There were no public communications related to this outbreak,” said the FDA in its report.
That is worrying, said Frank Yiannas, former attached commissioner of policy and food response in the FDA.
“It is disturbing that the FDA has not said anything else or identified the name of a producer or processor,” Yiannas told NBC News.
He argued that when choosing not to identify the responsible part, the FDA retained important information that could have helped consumers make informed decisions about their purchases. He also pointed out that some people may have become ill during the outbreak without knowing the source, and that serious bacterial infections can lead to durable health effects.
The Food and Medicines Administration (FDA) is being criticized for not advertising its own report at an E. coli outbreak last year that spread in 15 states and infected 89 people, one of whom died. (Istock)
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The FDA, in a statement to NBC, said it names companies when there is enough evidence that links them with an outbreak and if there are “processable tips for consumers, as long as the company’s name is not legally prohibited,“A spokesman said in a statement to NBC News.” By the time the researchers had confirmed the probable source, the outbreak was over and there were no processable advice for consumers. ”
Fox News Digital contacted the FDA to comment, but did not immediately receive an answer.
Protect E. coli and know when to see a doctor
NBC reports that nine demands have now filed against Taylor Farms, one of the largest producers of newly cut salads and vegetables, based in California. They argue in judicial documents that Taylor Farms sold “defective and unreasonably dangerous” food products.
Taylor Farms denied that it was the source of the outbreak in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“The Taylor Farm product was not the 2024 E. coli outbreak source. We carried out extensive tests of raw products and finished throughout our product and there was no evidence of pollution,” says the statement.
“Any report that connects Taylor Farm products with these heartbreaking diseases is dangerous, irresponsible and unfair to impacted families.”
The company said that 0157: H7 comes from cattle, not from fresh products. The FDA, said Tayor Farms, did not find the source of the outbreak because they are not authorized to inspect the meat industry.
The company said that all its green leafy vegetables are subject to a robust sampling and pathogen test program.
The outbreak occurred only weeks after an outbreak of McDonald’s E. coli was Linked to Taylor Farms.
Taylor Farms supplies McDonald’s with his furtive onions used in his popular Quarter Pounder hamburger. The farm voluntarily remembered onions after the outbreak infected more than 100 people, killing a person.
According to CDCs, a generalized E. coli outbreak has been related to a McDonald’s product. (Istock)
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A statement provided by a Taylor Farm spokesman To ksbw At that time he said: “We tried raw and finished products for pathogens and we have not found traces of E. Coli. We have never seen E. Colio157: H7 associated with onions in the past.”
“As a precaution, Taylor Farms Colorado eliminated the yellow onions of the market produced from our Colorado facilities. We continue to work closely with the FDA and the CDC during this ongoing investigation,” the statement added. “Our priority is the health and well -being of our customers and consumers and the safety and quality of our products.”
While Taylor Farms headquarters is in Salinas, it also has several facilities throughout the country, including one in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Jasmine Baehr of Fox News contributed to this report.
