E. coli outbreak linked to Wendy’s expands to 6 states, nears 100 sick

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added two states, for a total of six states, for people with illnesses from E. coli linked to sandwiches with lettuce from Wendy’s restaurants.

The CDC has still not confirmed the source of the outbreak. As of September 1, there are 97 illnesses, 43 hospitalizations and zero deaths. The states involved are Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

The CDC released the following information September 1:

A specific food has not yet been confirmed as the source of this outbreak, but many sick people reported eating sandwiches with romaine lettuce at Wendy’s restaurants in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania before getting sick. Based on this information, Wendy’s has taken the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants in that region. Wendy’s uses a different type of romaine lettuce for salads. 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. Wendy’s is fully cooperating with the investigation.

CDC is not advising people to avoid eating at Wendy’s restaurants or to stop eating romaine lettuce.

• Wendy’s has taken the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants in this region.
• At this time, there is no evidence to indicate that romaine lettuce sold in grocery stores, served in other restaurants, or in people’s homes is linked to this outbreak.

• CDC will update this advice if the investigation identifies foods to avoid.