TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - State officials say Florida-grown romaine lettuce has been cleared by the FDA as safe to eat.
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced Tuesday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have cleared Florida-grown romaine lettuce.
An ongoing investigation into the multi-state E. coli outbreak has determined that the Romaine in question comes from areas of California.
On Nov. 20, the CDC advised the public not to eat any romaine lettuce and, at the same time, the FDA requested that all romaine lettuce in the marketplace be removed.
“Americans deserve a safe, nutritious and abundant food supply, and I’m alarmed to hear that dozens of people have been sickened with this foodborne illness,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “While the federal investigation is ongoing, I’m encouraged that Florida-grown romaine lettuce is not linked to the outbreak and has been cleared to re-enter the marketplace.”
In a statement, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottleib said that there's no evidence suggesting that any Florida region was involved in the outbreak.
"At this time, the FDA has no information to suggest any of these growing areas are involved in the current outbreak, which began well before any romaine lettuce from these winter growing locations was available for harvest,: Gottleib wrote.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
