Popular fast-food chain Wendy’s removes romaine lettuce from its sandwiches as the CDC investigates an E. Coli outbreak. Despite the outbreak, a specific food was not confirmed as the outbreak’s source. However, the CDC reported multiple people getting sick after eating sandwiches with romaine lettuce from Wendy’s restaurants. The locations were in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
“Based on this information, Wendy’s is taking the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants in that region,” the CDC said. Wendy’s confirmed it uses a different type of romaine lettuce for salads and has not yet pulled those menu items.
“The lettuce we use in our salads is different and is not affected by this action. As a company, we are committed to upholding our high standards of food safety and quality,” the statement read.
Symptoms of E. Coli
There are hundreds of varieties of E. Coli. According to the CDC, most people experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Symptoms usually come on within four days after consuming the bacteria, and most recover from treatment within a week. In severe cases, people might develop kidney failure and require hospitalization.
Therefore the CDC advises people to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they have any severe symptoms. In addition, officials instructed anyone experiencing symptoms to assist public health officials by recording what they ate a week before they got sick.
“Investigators are working to confirm whether romaine lettuce is the source of this outbreak and whether romaine lettuce used in Wendy’s sandwiches was served or sold at other businesses,” the CDC continued, adding that the restaurant “is fully cooperating with the investigation.”
Recently, Wendy’s released a statement on its website confirming they’re “fully cooperating with public health authorities on their ongoing investigation of the regional E. coli outbreak reported in certain midwestern states.” Furthermore, they are “taking the precaution of discarding and replacing the sandwich lettuce at some regional restaurants.”
Meanwhile, the CDC claims “romaine lettuce sold in grocery stores, served in other restaurants, or people’s homes” isn’t linked to the outbreak.
