Also monitoring salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey and turkey products
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Ministry of Health on Wednesday advised that there are reports of romaine lettuce from the United States being contaminated with Escherichia coli. (E. coli).
This bacteria can cause serious illness which may be severe enough to cause death in those with compromised immune systems.
The ministry is, therefore, recommending that any and all types of romaine lettuce that has not been grown in your backyard should be thrown out.
Additionally, if you not sure of the type of lettuce in a salad or salad mix, the ministry said it should not be eaten and thrown away.
“The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) will advise when it is safe to consume imported romaine lettuce,” the Ministry said in a statement released yesterday.
The ministry further added that they are also closely monitoring the Salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey and turkey products as notified by the United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO-INFOSAN).
“Salmonella is a common organism found in poultry meats. Thoroughly cooking your turkey meat can kill this bacterium, however ensuring proper food handling practices are utilized during preparation, cooking and storing is also required,” the ministry said.
Common symptoms of E. Coli and Salmonella infection include abdominal pain (cramping), nausea, vomiting and/or loose stools within hours to days after consuming contaminated food.
“Should you or anyone you know experience symptoms seek medical care from your primary care provider or nearest community clinic. The Ministry of Health, Disease Surveillance Unit will continue monitoring,” the statement concluded.
