FDA Kept Quiet as Deadly E. Coli Outbreak Spread Across 15 States

In November, a deadly #Ecoli #outbreak linked to romaine lettuce spread across 15 states, sickening at least 89 people, hospitalizing dozens, and killing one. Yet the FDA never publicly announced it, closed the investigation in February, and redacted company names from the report, prompting criticism from food safety advocates and families of victims. “There were no public communications related to this outbreak,” the FDA acknowledged in its internal report obtained by NBC News. The agency defended its decision, stating there was “no actionable advice for consumers” by the time the source was confirmed.

The strain involved—E. coli O157:H7—is particularly dangerous. Among those affected were 9-year-old Colton George from Indiana, who developed life-threatening kidney complications, and 15-year-old Austin Carnaghi of #Missouri, who fell ill after eating salad at a school banquet. “There is a chance you won’t make it,” Colton’s mother told him during his hospital stay. Both families are now suing Taylor Farms, alleging it distributed the contaminated produce. The FDA confirmed romaine lettuce was the source but said it was prohibited from naming the companies involved due to federal confidentiality laws. Taylor Farms denied responsibility, saying, “Taylor Farms product WAS NOT the source.”

Critics argue that withholding such information limits public accountability and prevents consumers from making informed choices. “It is disturbing that #FDA hasn’t said anything more public,” said Frank Yiannas, former deputy commissioner at the FDA. “People have a right to know who’s selling contaminated products,” added food safety advocate Sandra Eskin. The outbreak’s full extent was only revealed after public records requests filed by victims’ attorneys.

The incident follows staff cuts under the #Trump administration that weakened FDA public engagement teams. Experts like Dr. Barbara Kowalcyk warn that transparency is crucial for learning from these crises: “If you don’t come out and talk about what happened, we’ve lost that opportunity.” Families like the Georges say they’re still struggling with medical bills and emotional scars. “It’s not fair for them to get off the hook,” said Amber George. “People are still buying their product every day and have no idea what happened.”

Link: NBCNews