Officials at the Virgin Islands Environmental Health Division are warning consumers not to eat romaine lettuce or products containing romaine lettuce grown in Salinas, California USA. Photo: Internet Source

The Environmental Health Division acting on the CDC alert warned local retailers and restaurateurs to cease the sale of Romaine Lettuce. Photo: VINO/File

The notice comes almost exactly one year after RTW Group of Companies had cautioned residents to not eat the lettuce due to an E-coli outbreak in November 2018. 

This new warning was received from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), currently investigating the outbreak of the same Escherichia Coli strain (O157) linked to the romaine lettuce.

“Environmental Health Officers have already begun inspections of various supermarkets to ensure that the product has been removed from the shelves. If the Romaine lettuce is found, it will be condemned and discarded,” Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Lionel E. Michael said, according to the Government Information Service (GIS). 

Cease sale of Romaine Lettuce

It said the Environmental Health Division, acting on the CDC alert, is advising local retailers and restaurateurs to cease the sale of Romaine Lettuce, "Persons are further advised to contact a healthcare/medical provider if the product has been consumed and they show any sign and symptoms of illness with after effects." 

Over in the US, the CDC said 40 people have been reported sick so far in 16 states following the outbreak from the same E. coli strain tied to previous outbreaks.

Symptoms of illness caused by E. coli O157 typically include stomach cramps and diarrhoea, often with bloody stools, but only a low-grade or no fever.

People typically become ill two to five days after exposure, but the period can range from one to eight days and most people recover in five to 10 days. The infection can; however, produce severe kidney problems and other symptoms.