California Growers devastated by ban

FDA Bans Romaine Lettuce from Monterey County

SALINAS, Calif. (KYMA, KSWT, KECY)-A critical blow to the agriculture industry, as yet another E. Coli outbreak is being reported out of Monterey County.

According to the latest publication of “The Packer,” stores across the country are informing customers that romaine lettuce is not being stocked.

Growers of romaine lettuce and other leafy greens are expressing their frustration as the Food and Drug Administration asked that the Salinas supply of leafy greens be taken out of the supply chain.

Since that last blockage of romaine lettuce from the Desert Southwest, the industry has intensified its efforts to protect the harvest. Keeping stronger defensive lines around livestock and changing their irrigation cycles.

The recent outbreak comes weeks after the FDA announced it will take extra steps to find the sources of recent outbreaks; the year-long sampling program would sample products from different plants in search of traces of Salmonella and E. Coli.

According to the article, the Produce Marketing Association has announced that during the course of the investigation by health the target source of the outbreak may grow affecting other areas.

Investigators haven’t found the exact type of romaine affected and report that it could be chopped romaine or even processed hearts of romaine.