CHOPPED ROMAINE LETTUCE HAS CAUSED CONCERN DUE TO RECENT OUTBREAK OF E. COLI.

 It is quite interesting that many restaurants have scaled back their menu to exclude "Romaine Lettuce." The culprit appears to be "Chopped Romaine Lettuce" that is grown in the Yuma, Arizona area. Unfortunately, there is no specific food distributor or supplier identified so far, but the U.S. Center for Disease Control has reported at least 35 cases of E. Coli in over 11 states, which they believe to be linked to the outbreak. This included over 20 people that required hospitalization and at least 3 of those sustained some form of kidney damage. E. Coli can show itself anywhere from 2 days to a week after consuming the ill-fated bacteria but in many cases people who consumed the bacteria become violently ill within just a day or so. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach pain. Regardless of how you view chopped romaine, you should stay clear of consuming it at home, restaurants, or any other location. This could also include mixed salads that could have the chopped romaine content. It's better to err on the side of caution and choose another salad until this epidemic is cleared up. The chopped romaine appeared to be the common ingredient and offender in all these cases and was mostly eaten at restaurants. So far, these concerns do not span to whole heads or heart of romaine, however, be on alert, wash well, and stay apprised as the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration works to clear up this mystery.