E. coli Outbreaks in Romaine Lettuce
It often happens we're sitting in a restaurant when a well-meaning voice in our head reminds us, "You should eat a salad." Inspired, we call over the waiter and confidently order, "One large green salad with lots of veggies, please!" Moments later, the staff returns with a neatly arranged plate of fresh cucumbers, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and onion rings. It looks so aesthetic that you can't resist snapping a quick photo for Instagram before diving in. But here’s the real question— is it always as healthy as it looks? ( Green Salad ) A crisp romaine lettuce salad is a staple in many diets, valued for its nutrition and versatility. However, this leafy green has been at the heart of several high-profile Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) outbreaks, raising concerns about food safety. From the significant 2018 outbreak to more recent incidents in 2024, romaine lettuce has repeatedly been linked to serious illnesses. What is E. coli? Escherichia c...