Romaine lettuce's growing popularity, however, doesn't explain its link to numerous outbreaks.
Leafy greens are a common culprit of foodborne illnesses, with the produce linked to 40 outbreaks of a serious strain of E. coli from 2009 to 2018, a report published Wednesday in the journalAmong those outbreaks, one lettuce in particular bore the brunt of the blame: romaine.
Of outbreaks linked to a specific leafy green — rather than a mix — 54 percent were linked to romaine. Spinach and iceberg lettuce were each linked to 17 percent of the outbreaks, and cabbage, green leaf and kale were each linked to 4 percent. It's not entirely clear why romaine was the most common culprit in the outbreaks. The researchers noted, for example, that more iceberg lettuce was harvested and sold each year from 2009 to 2017 than romaine.
Romaine did grow in popularity during the decade analyzed, the researchers wrote: By the end of the study period, more money was spent on romaine lettuce than on iceberg. But this alone doesn't explain why romaine was responsible for so many outbreaks. Another possible explanation, the researchers posited, is the lettuce's shape, which could provide an entry point for pathogens:"Romaine is tall with loosely clumped leaves, open at the top; iceberg is smaller with compact leaves."Sign Up
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
One Company Is Helping Women Over 40 Return To WorkEvolveMe helps women over 40 return to work. Its founders make career reinvention in midlife fun, rewarding, and doable by providing the structure and tools women need to focus on themselves and invest in their future.
Read more »
Survey finds 'shocking' lack of Holocaust knowledge in people under 40Nationwide survey shows 'shocking' lack of Holocaust knowledge among millennials and Gen Z, 1 in 10 respondents could not recall ever having heard the word 'Holocaust' before.
Read more »
Germany links Covid-19 outbreak at ski resort to US citizen who failed to quarantineA coronavirus outbreak at a popular Bavarian ski resort has been linked to a US citizen working at a lodge operated by the US Army, German authorities said Monday.
Read more »
7 deaths and over 175 coronavirus cases now linked to Maine weddingOutbreaks at a rehabilitation center and a county jail have been linked to the wedding and reception in August.
Read more »
Coronavirus death toll linked to Maine wedding grows to 7Public health authorities say the death toll from a coronavirus outbreak linked to a Maine wedding reception has grown to seven.
Read more »