Industry organizations address E. coli O157:H7 foodborne illness outbreak

PMA is working collaboratively with other leading produce trade organizations to address consumer, media, buyer and supplier inquiries regarding an E. coli O157:H7 foodborne illness outbreak.  

As such, we would like to provide you with that facts that are available to us.

-The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not identified what food likely caused this foodborne illness outbreak.  No public health agency has contacted any Romaine lettuce grower, shipper or processor and requested that they either stop shipping or recall product already in the marketplace.

-Even if this outbreak is actually confirmed to be caused by Romaine lettuce, it’s important to recognize this is a highly perishable product with a limited usable shelf-life and it’s highly unlikely a specific affected lot would still be available for sale or in a home refrigerator with the last illness onset date being reported in the United States on December 8, 2017.

-Food safety remains a top priority of leafy greens farmers, shippers and processors and the industry has robust food safety programs in place that incorporate stringent government regulatory oversight.

-Our leading produce industry associations have and will continue to cooperate fully with public health officials investigating this foodborne illness outbreak.

-Any time we see an outbreak of any foodborne illness, our hearts go out to the victims.
The statement is attributed to the following organizations:

Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement
California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Produce Marketing Association
United Fresh Produce Association
Western Growers