A Multistate Outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infections Associated With Consumption of Mesclun Lettuce

Abstract

This multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections was associated with consumption of mesclun lettuce from a single producer. Molecular subtyping facilitated the epidemiological investigation. This investigation increased the knowledge about current production practices that may contribute to the contamination of lettuce by microbial pathogens. Lettuce production practices should be monitored for microbiological safety.