FDA Silences Deadly E. coli Outbreak Across 15 States
An E. coli outbreak in November 2024, affecting 89 individuals across 15 states, resulted in one death and numerous hospitalizations, including a child who suffered near-fatal kidney failure. The FDA closed its investigation without publicly naming the responsible companies, citing a lack of available contaminated lettuce and therefore no actionable advice for consumers. This decision, however, has drawn criticism from food safety advocates and victims who believe the public has a right to know which companies were involved, to make informed choices and prevent future incidents. The FDA maintains that its response aligned with existing policy, prioritizing actionable consumer advice.
John Q. Hosedrinker