Romaine lettuce safe to eat, according to local farmer

121 people have been reported sick, 52 hospitalized and one dead as the FDA continues to investigate an E. coli outbreak linked to Yuma growers.

According to the FDA, one farm has been tied to a case of inmates sickened at an Alaska correctional facility.

The illnesses have propelled local farmers to find the sole source of the outbreak.

Moreover, several said they want the community to know that romaine lettuce is safe to eat as produce grown in Yuma had already been removed from shelves.

Steven Alameda, president of the Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association, said people can feel comfortable shopping after the removal of produce was replaced with vegetables from other parts of the country.

“Everything is now coming from the Salinas area,” Alameda said. “Those products are healthy and they’re making sure their food safety is on track and at this point, romaine is very safe to eat.”

Moreover, Alameda said he speaks on behalf of several farmers across the county when he said they are disappointed over the allegations against Harrison Farms.

“The extent we go to protect our crops and make them safe for our consumers is unprecedented,” Alameda said.

While Harrison Farms said they are heartbroken and cooperating with the FDA, Alameda said he has a message for the Yuma community.

“Please bare with us we’re gonna get through this,” Alameda said. “We’re gonna get better on the other side and we’re gonna learn something from this.”