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Lettuce is commonly recalled due to the presence of E. coli or salmonella, which can be introduced through contaminated water sources. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe complications, and the FDA samples lettuce to ensure it is free of contaminants. Consumers are advised to wash lettuce before eating.
Lettuce is remembered when it is known to carry foodborne illness. Recalls of a product or vegetable are made when there is a recognized potential for a possible health risk. While there are a number of foodborne illnesses common to lettuce, it is often recalled from public consumption due to the presence of the bacteria Escherichia coli O145, more commonly known as E. coli. Another common reason for a lettuce recall is the possibility of a salmonella contamination.
Both E. coli and Salmonella can be introduced into lettuce by contact with a water source. Pooling contaminated water or sitting near where lettuce is grown can cause these foodborne illnesses to occur. If the water that lettuce is washed or sprayed with contains bacteria, the lettuce will also be contaminated. This contamination will be a lettuce booster.
Contamination with E. coli bacteria, a justifiable reason for a lettuce booster, can cause mild symptoms, such as gastrointestinal discomfort. It can also cause acute symptoms, which can include debilitating abdominal cramps and unrelenting diarrhea, which can be bloody. Most healthy adults can recover from this bacterial infection within about a week. Some patients, however, can progress to serious complications, such as kidney damage. These complications are seen in the elderly and young children.
Salmonella poisoning is evidenced by severe abdominal cramps. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also common with this type of poisoning. While these symptoms commonly can be easily treated, without proper treatment these symptoms can lead to severe dehydration and even death. Salmonella is often referred to as food poisoning. The presumed presence of salmonella will ensure a lettuce recall.
A lettuce recall, also known as a recall, in the United States does not mean the lettuce is contaminated; it simply states that there may be the possibility of a contaminant present in the food. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for all foods, and that means all products, including lettuce, must meet strict government regulations. FDA samples provide lettuce to ensure that it is free of food-borne contaminants before reaching consumers’ hands. While the FDA is diligent in trying to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks, consumers are advised to wash all lettuce before eating it. This helps prevent disease even when there hasn’t been a lettuce booster.
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