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Statement from the Ministry of Health and Wellness On E. Coli Infections linked to Romaine Lettuce

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has acknowledged the consumer advisory issued by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on November 20, 2018, on the outbreak of illness which has occurred in North America relating to the consumption of Romaine lettuce.

The CDC notes that the outbreak may be linked to a particular type of E-coli bacteria – E coli 0157:H7, which causes a severe diarrhoeal disease. As a result, the Ministry of Health and Wellness advises the public that Romaine lettuce originating in the USA should not be consumed.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness further advises the public that if they suspect that they have Romaine lettuce originating from the USA stored in their refrigerator, that they bag the lettuce, along with any food that it may have come into contact with, and discard these items. The refrigerator should also be cleaned before being restocked.

Officers of the Environmental Health Department are working to ensure that lettuce originating in the USA is not exposed for sale to the public until further notice. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue to work with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to ensure the health and safety of the public of Barbados.

Ministry of Health and Wellness

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