DeLauro on Lettuce Recall

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement today responding to a recall of lettuce sold by Freshway Foods. The lettuce, which was sold under the Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands, may be contaminated with E. Coli and is being recalled in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

At least 19 people have been sickened, with 10 more cases probably linked to the outbreak. Of these individuals, 12 have been hospitalized, three with life-threatening symptoms. Among those affected are students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Ohio State in Columbus and Daemen College in Amherst, N.Y.

"It is extremely disappointing that this outbreak is occurring during a time when food safety legislation is stalled in the Senate. The food safety reform bill that passed the House last year, and the bill pending before the Senate, includes provisions on preventive controls and interventions for produce that are intended to avert outbreaks like this. It is absolutely critical that the Senate act immediately to pass the food safety reform bill."

"Because this shredded lettuce was sold to a variety of retail outlets, such as in-store salad bars and delis, it would be very difficult for consumers to know whether they are eating the contaminated lettuce. Effective and timely communication is critical to preventing additional infections."