Romaine lettuce is suspected to be at the centre of an E.Coli outbreak in the US and Canada that has caused two deaths and sickened almost 60 people since November.
The US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) said it is still determining the cause of the outbreak by interviewing affected people, while the the Public Health Agency of Canada said it has identified Romaine lettuce as the source.
“Because we have not identified a source of the infections, CDC is unable to recommend whether US residents should avoid a particular food. This investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available,” the CDC said in a statement at the end of December.
Consumers in the affected states, which include California, New York and Washington, are being advised to avoid Romaine lettuce by consumer watchdog Consumer Reports.
The organisation said it does not advise washing greens to protect against E.Coli and instead recommended avoiding Romaine lettuce until the outbreak is contained.
It suggested using other leaves, such as baby kale or arugula, in salads in the meantime, or heating greens until fully wilted.
