An outbreak of E. coli linked to romaine lettuce consumed at Wendy’s restaurants has spread to at least six states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Illnesses were first reported July 26, 2022, with at least 97 confirmed cases.
While health officials warn there may be more unreported cases, the confirmed cases were in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and New York. More than half of the infections are in Michigan, and the ages of the infected range from 3 to 94 years, with a median age of 22 years, and 55% are male. Of 81 people with information available, 43 have been hospitalized and 10 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that can cause kidney failure. No deaths have been reported.
The CDC said “many people recover without medical care and are not tested for E. coli.”
Wendy’s removed the lettuce from stores in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania on Aug. 21.
The outbreak has already led to lawsuits, with at least 10 people infected in four states have retained food safety attorney.
