FDA Kept Deadly Romaine Lettuce E. Coli Outbreak Across 15 States Secret
A deadly E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce quietly spread through 15 U.S. states in late 2023, causing one death and hospitalizing 36 people, including a 9-year-old boy who nearly died of kidney failure. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) never publicly disclosed the outbreak, according to an internal report obtained by NBC News.
The FDA traced the outbreak to romaine lettuce through genetic sequencing and confirmed 89 cases, yet did not name the company involved or issue any public warning. The internal report noted that there were "no public communications" because the contaminated product was no longer on the market by the time investigators confirmed the source.
Critics, including former FDA and USDA officials, are sounding alarms over the lack of transparency. They argue that consumers have a right to know the source of contaminated food, regardless of whether the product is still available. “It is disturbing that FDA hasn’t said anything more public,” said Frank Yiannas, a former FDA official. Food safety attorney William Marler added, “If the gutted CDC and FDA can no longer do the job, we will step up.”
The Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to federal health agencies are also being blamed for weakening the infrastructure needed to investigate and communicate food safety risks. Taryn Webb, who lost her job in the purge, warned that the U.S. has lost crucial mechanisms to prevent future outbreaks.
The E. coli strain involved — 0157:H7 — is particularly dangerous and can cause severe organ damage. In Missouri and Indiana, school children were sickened after eating salad at school events. One victim, Colton George, was hospitalized for two weeks with hemolytic uremic syndrome and still suffers from lasting effects.
Although the FDA says it only names companies when there is “actionable advice,” critics argue that transparency, even after the fact, is essential for accountability and public trust.
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