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.