Based on new information, CDC is advising that consumers not eat and retailers not sell any romaine lettuce harvested from the Salinas, California growing region.

They are taking this very seriously.

A total of 40 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from 16 states.
A total of 28 hospitalizations have been reported. Five people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.

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This advice includes all types of romaine lettuce harvested from Salinas, California such as whole heads of romaine, hearts of romaine, and packages of precut lettuce and salad mixes which contain romaine, including baby romaine, spring mix, and Caesar salad.

If you have romaine lettuce at home:
Look for a label showing where the romaine lettuce was grown. It may be printed on the package or on a sticker.
If the label says “Salinas” (whether alone or with the name of another location), don’t eat it, and throw it away.

If it isn’t labeled with a growing region, don’t eat it, and throw it away.

If you don’t know if the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix contains romaine, don’t eat it, and throw it away.

Wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in refrigerators where romaine lettuce was stored. Follow these five steps to clean your refrigerator.