Updated CDC Guidance on Romaine Outbreak

The CDC has posted additional guidance regarding the romaine lettuce recall.  The key action points to share with members are below.  Additionally, here are 5 Tips to Follow When a Recall Happens.  We are still using this statement if contacted by media. 
 
“Quality ingredients are essential to the dining experience in restaurants in local communities across the country. We urge all restaurants to take the necessary precautions and follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.” —William Weichelt, National Restaurant Association, Director of Food Safety and Industry Relations

CDC Recommendations:

• Based on discussions with producers and distributors, romaine lettuce entering the market will now be labeled with a harvest location and a harvest date or labeled as being hydroponically- or greenhouse-grown. If it does not have this information, you should not eat or use it.
• If romaine lettuce does have this labeling information, we advise avoiding any product from the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California. Romaine lettuce from outside those regions need not be avoided.
• Romaine lettuce that was harvested outside of the Central Coast growing regions of northern and central California does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. Hydroponically- and greenhouse-grown romaine also does not appear to be related to the current outbreak. There is no recommendation for consumers or retailers to avoid using romaine harvested from these sources.

Read the full CDC post here.