On Tuesday morning, health officials in the U.S. and Canada told people to stop eating romaine lettuce because of a new E. coli outbreak.
The outbreak has sickened 32 people in 11 states and 18 people Canada.
Infections from E. coli can cause symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Most people recover within a week, but some illnesses can last longer and be more severe.
Many are wondering why rinsing off the lettuce won’t remove the bacteria but officials say not to risk it.
On the Consumer Reports website (consumerreports.org), they say that bacteria has the ability to adhere to the surface of the leaves, and gets stuck in microscopic crevices. E. coli bacteria can even find their way into the interior of your produce.
If you have romaine lettuce at home, throw it out, the CDC warned in a food safety alert.
You should also clean your refrigerator where the contaminated lettuce was stored.
CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat any romaine lettuce, and retailers and restaurants do not serve or sell any, until they learn more about the outbreak.
This investigation is ongoing and the advice will be updated as more information is available.
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