Why do lettuce and spinach keep getting contaminated with E. Coli? (2024)

Lauren Bush never expected a simple spinach salad to make her feel so sick; bloody diarrhea and extreme abdominal pain forced her to endure several hospital stays and doctor's appointments.

She was one of the many victims of a multi-state systemE colioutbreak in 2006, which resulted in 102 hospitalizations, 31 cases of kidney failure and three deaths.

Bush was infected by an almE colitribe known asE coliO157:H7, a substance that can cause a serious intestinal infection in humans.It is the same species that was recently discoveredE colioutbreak linked to the romaine lettuce used in Wendy's restaurants.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)are bacteria that live in the intestines of animals and humans. They are usually harmless, but certain species can be affectedE coliO157:H7 can cause disease in humans. The most common symptoms are severe bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. And they usually occur two to five days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria.

Severe cases ofE coliinfections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication that can lead to kidney failure and death.

A 2013 study suggested as muchE coliinfections are associated with a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and kidney problems later in life.

In the years since her infection, Bush has had similar symptoms five times. In some cases she had to be isolated to avoid infecting other people.

“Unfortunately, once the body is out of balance, it cannot fully recover,” Bush said.

Why beE coliOften found in lettuce and spinach?

Leafy vegetables are often victims of thisE colipollution because of the way they are grown, saidMitzi Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness, a patient advocacy organization. Romaine lettuce and spinach are grown in soil, which may be exposed to animal feces or contaminated water.

The product is at risk of contamination from irrigation water, especially if grown near animal production facilities where the animals may be contaminatedE coli.

There is also a seasonal aspect to itE colioutbreaks associated with the lettuce harvest season in several areas. For example, the fall lettuce harvest on California's coast is associated with an increased risk ofE colioutbreak.

“LikeE coliis in the water and that water is absorbed by the raw crops and becomes part of the plant, you cannot rinse it out," says Baum. “I'm a consumer, I wash all my products and I worry about it all the time.”

Another reason why people are more sensitive to itE coliof lettuce or other leafy vegetables is that they often eat these vegetables raw. You just can't get rid of the vegetables while washingE colicompletely, boiling or boiling can kill the bacteria.

How to prevent oneE coliInfection

As scary asE coliSounds like you don't have to stop eating salads or burgers completely. However, you can take precautions to protect yourself:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the vegetables
• Wash raw vegetables before eating.
• Cook vegetables.
• Prevent cross-contamination by thoroughly washing hands, countertops, cutting boards and utensils with soap and water after touching raw meat.
• If you are cooking meat, use a food thermometer to make sure the meat has reached the desired temperaturesafe minimum cooking temperature.

These steps may not be enough to keep you 100% safe from risk. So if you think you have eaten food contaminated withE coliStay hydrated and seek medical attention.

Correction - September 6, 2022: This article has been updated to reflect Lauren Bush's accurate symptoms while she had an E. coli infection.