Romaine Lettuce Sold at Walmart Recalled Over E. Coli

The company asks consumers who purchased the affected romaine to throw it away and not eat it. Consumers with questions or concerns can call the Tanimura & Antle Consumer Hotline at 877-827-7388, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.

CDC investigating outbreak of E. coli infections

Although there have been no reports of infections directly associated with the contaminated lettuce, the CDC is investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to the same strain found on the recalled product, 0157:H7.

Twelve people in six states reported infections, with illnesses beginning between Sept. 2 and Oct. 14. The sick ranged in ages range from 8 to 62.  Of the 11 people interviewed, five were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Cases were recorded in California, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

All who were interviewed said they ate various types of leafy greens, including romaine lettuce, spinach, iceberg lettuce, and red leaf lettuce. But the CDC said that there is not enough epidemiologic and traceback information available to determine if they got sick from eating Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce.

E. coli can be dangerous to older adults

The specific strain of E. coli tied to this recall, 0157:H7, can cause a diarrheal illness with bloody stool. Symptoms can begin one to 10 days after exposure.

While most healthy adults can recover within a week, older adults and young children can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). This condition can lead to serious kidney damage and death.

According to the CDC, symptoms of developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling tired and losing color in the cheeks and inside lower eyelids. Contact your doctor if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than three days or if it is accompanied by a fever higher than 102 degrees, blood in the stool, vomiting that prevents liquids from staying down or little urine being passed.