Romaine Hearts Recalled After Sample Tests Positive for E. coli

Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc. is recalling a limited number of cases of organic romaine hearts due to a possible health risk from E. coli in the two products. The recall comes after "an isolated instance in which a package of Dole™ Organic Romaine Hearts – 3pk yielded a positive result for pathogenic non-O157 E.coli STEC in a routine sample collected at a retail store by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development."

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/dole-fresh-vegetables-announces-limited-recall-organic-romaine-hearts
Dole Fresh Vegetables Announces Limited Recall of Organic Romaine Hearts
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 21, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  November 21, 2020
Product Type:  Food & Beverages   Produce   
Reason for Announcement:  Potential for Pathogenic non-O157 E. coli
Company Name:  Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc.
Brand Name:  Dole and Wild Harvest
Product Description:  Organic Romaine Hearts

Date Expired Salad Kits Recalled After Sample Yields Positive E. coli Result

Fresh Express is recalling a limited number of cases of expired 10.5 oz. Fresh Express Kit Caesar Supreme with the Use-by Date of November 8, 2020 (already expired by 8 days) as it may be contaminated with Escherichia coli STEC 026 bacteria.  The recalled product was distributed primarily in Western and Southwestern U.S. states.  The recall was issued after a random test discovered the organism in a sample.  There have not yet been any reported illnesses.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fresh-express-recalls-limited-quantity-expired-fresh-express-kit-caesar-supreme-due-potential-health
Fresh Express Recalls Limited Quantity of Expired Fresh Express Kit Caesar Supreme Due to Potential Health Risk
Summary
Company Announcement Date:  November 17, 2020
FDA Publish Date:  November 17, 2020 

Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  Escherichia coli STEC 026 bacteria
Company Name:  Fresh Express
Brand Name:  Fresh Express
Product Description:  Fresh Express Kit Caesar Supreme.

Salad Kits Linked to E. coli Outbreak Affecting Eight, Not Same Strain as from Salinas Romaine Outbreak

CDC and other agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 infections.  There have been 8 cases with 3 hospitalizations.  The cases of illness started on dates ranging from November 5, 2019, to November 15, 2019

Information collected to date indicates that Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kits are a likely source of this outbreak.  Of seven ill people with information available, all seven (100%) reported eating any leafy green in the week before their illness started. Six ill people reported eating or maybe eating a Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kit.  It is not yet known if this outbreak is related to a current outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, growing region, but the outbreak is caused by a different strain of E. coli O157:H7 than the current outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from the Salinas, California, growing region.

CDC Food Safety Alert
https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2019/o157h7-12-19/index.html
Outbreak of E. coli Infections Linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits
Posted on December 9, 2019 at 6:45 PM ET

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states and Canada, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp chopped salad kit.

At A Glance
Reported Cases: 8
States: 3
Hospitalizations: 3
Deaths: 0
Recall: No

FDA Updates Investigation of E.coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce from Salinas, CA

FDA issued an update on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with Romaine lettuce from Salinas CA.   As of December 2, 2019, there have been 102 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 from 23 states. The dates of those who became ill range from September 24, 2019 to November 18, 2019 (announcement date linking outbreak to Romaine as November 22, 2019.)

There are 35 more cases than what was reported on the last update on November 26th.

Outside of the fact that the product was from Salinas, there is no additional information on the distribution or contamination.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-e-coli-o157h7-outbreak-linked-romaine-salinas-california-november-2019.
Investigation of E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Linked to Romaine from Salinas, California, November 2019
December 4, 2019
FDA continues to warn against eating romaine from Salinas, investigate farms, conduct traceback

Case Counts
Total Illnesses: 102
Hospitalizations: 58
Deaths: 0
Last illness onset: November 18, 2019
States with Cases: AZ (3), CA (4), CO (6), FL (1), IA (1), ID (3), IL (1), MD (4), MI (1), MN (3), MT (1), NE (1), NJ (7), NC (1), NM (2), OH (12), OR (1), PA (8), SD (1), TX (4), VA (4), WA (2), WI (31)

More Flour Recalled Due to Potential E. coli Contamination

Two companies, UNFI and Hodgson Mills, recalled 5lb bags of flower due to potential E. coli contamination.  The Hodgsen products is linked to the ADM recall - "This lot of flour was milled at an ADM Milling Facility in St Louis, MO and repacked at Hodgson Mill, Inc. facility in Effingham, IL and was distributed by Hodgson Mill through retailers and distribution nationwide and sold through our website www.hodgsonmill.com"

No illnesses have been reported.


https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/unfi-voluntarily-recalls-wild-harvestr-organic-all-purpose-flour-unbleached
UNFI Voluntarily Recalls Wild Harvest® Organic All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 27, 2019
FDA Publish Date:November 27, 2019
Product Type:Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement: Potential E.coli Contamination
Company Name:UNFI
Brand Name: Wild Harvest
Product Description: Organic All-Purpose Flour

King Arthur Adds Additional Lots to Flour to E. coli Recall from Early October

King Arthur is forced to expand it recall of flour again as it supplier, ADM Milling, notified the company that three additional product lot codes of 5lb bags of unbleached all-purpose flour were omitted on the original date provided.  This comes after a month from the expanded recall date of October 3, 2019.  The earlier recall was due to positive E. coli O26 testing in a sample.  There have been no illnesses.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/king-arthur-flour-updates-three-lot-codes-voluntarily-recalled-unbleached-all-purpose-flour-5-lb
King Arthur Flour Updates Three Lot Codes of Voluntarily Recalled Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 lb.)
Summary
Company Announcement Date: November 01, 2019 

FDA Publish Date: November 01, 2019

Product Type: Food & Beverages 

Reason for Announcement: E. coli O26
Company Name:King Arthur Flour, Inc.

Brand Name: King Arthur Flour
Product Description:  Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

Florida Establishment Recalls Raw Beef Product After Positive E. coli Test Results

Pride of Florida, a Raiford, Fla. establishment, is recalling approximately 64,797 pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The raw ground beef items were produced on various dates from Sept. 23, 2019 to Oct. 10, 2019. "The problem was discovered when the firm was notified by their third-party laboratory that a sample was positive for E. coli O157:H7, but the products associated with the sample had already been shipped into commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2019/recall-101-2019-release
Pride of Florida Recalls Beef Products due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination
Class I Recall
101-2019
Health Risk: High
Oct 18, 2019

King Arthur Expands Recall of Flour After Testing Finds E. coli Contamination

In association with ADM Milling Company, King Arthur Flour, Inc.,is expanding its recall to include specific lots of its Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 lb. & 25 lb.) after sampling found E. coli 026. King Arthur Flour has not received any confirmed reports of illnesses related to this product.  No illness have been reported.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/association-adm-milling-co-king-arthur-flour-inc-expands-recall-unbleached-all-purpose-flour-5-lb-25
In Association with ADM Milling Co, King Arthur Flour, Inc. Expands Recall of Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 Lb & 25 Lb)
Summary
Company Announcement Date: October 03, 2019
FDA Publish Date: October 03, 2019
Product Type: Food & Beverages Bakery Product/Mix
Reason for Announcement: E. coli O26
Company Name: King Arthur Flour, Inc.
Brand Name: King Arthur Flour
Product Description: Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

CDC Report - 2017 E. coli Outbreak Associated with Soy Nut Butter

 CDC released a report detailing the 2017 E. coli outbreak of E. coli O157 linked to soynut butter that resulted in 32 cases from 12 states with twenty-six (81%) cases occurred in children ( <18 years old) and with 8 of those children developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (impacting kidney function).

The facility had multiple issues as was detailed in the FDA 483 report. although the ultimate ingredient source was not identified.

Items of note from the report:

• The was the first time a peanut butter alternative such as soy nut butter has been implicated as the source of an outbreak of STEC infections in the United States
• More than one-quarter of the case patients developed HUS, and all but 1 were children <18 years old.  
• CDC identified a subcluster in an Oregon child care center where secondary transmission might have contributed to the spread of the outbreak -this serves as a reminder to child care providers of the importance of appropriate hand-washing and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infections in these settings and that children with STEC O157 infection should be excluded from attending child care centers until 2 stool cultures (obtained at least 48 hours after antimicrobial therapy, if given, has been discontinued) have negative results for STEC.
• This outbreak serves as a reminder of the important role manufacturers play in preventing foodborne outbreaks and the role brand owners have in overseeing their product safety. Soy nut butter is a ready-to-eat food with a long shelf life, and multiple foodborne outbreaks have been identified over the past few years linked to other ready-to-eat, long-shelf-life foods, such as a powdered meal replacement product, sprouted nut butters, and chia powder.
• Product contamination may have occurred through use of a contaminated ingredient or cross-contamination from contact with contaminated equipment or surfaces during manufacturing. However, because ingredient sample results were negative and multiple objectionable conditions were identified during the facility’s inspection, it was not possible to determine which specific route led to product contamination.

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2019/09/12/peds.2018-3978
A Multistate Outbreak of E Coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Soy Nut Butter

Bags of Flour Recalled After Sample Test Positive for E. coli

General Mills announced today a voluntary national recall of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour with a better if used by date of September 6, 2020. The recall is being issued for the potential presence of E. coli O26 which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product.  No illnesses have been reported.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/general-mills-recalls-five-pound-bags-gold-medal-unbleached-all-purpose-flour
General Mills Recalls Five Pound Bags of Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour

Summary
Company Announcement Date:  September 16, 2019
FDA Publish Date:  September 16, 2019
Product Type:  Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:  E. coli O26
Company Name:  General Mills
Brand Name:  Gold Medal
Product Description:  Unbleached All Purpose Flour

Producer of Ultra-fresh, Organic Meals is Recalling Salads After Spinach Supplier Has E. coli Positive Samples

A California-based food company, self-described as a producer of ultra-fresh, organic meals,  is voluntarily recalling 76 salads and wraps that contain spinach that may be contaminated with E. coli.  Spinach from a supplier tested positive for a 'small amount' of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.  Urban Remedy will no longer buy spinach from that supplier.  At this point, the product has already exceeded it's shelf-life date. 

Not sure whether it was pathogenic E. coli or generic E. coli.  Not sure what constitutes 'a small amount.'  Not really sure what differentiates fresh from ultra-fresh.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/urban-remedy-voluntarily-recalls-76-salads-wraps-may-contain-ecoli-bacteria-no-illnesses-reported
Urban Remedy Voluntarily Recalls 76 Salads, Wraps That May Contain E.Coli Bacteria No Illnesses Reported, Company Taking Preventive Action

Summary

Company Announcement Date:  September 12, 2019

FDA Publish Date:  September 13, 2019

Product Type:  Food & Beverages Prepared Food

Reason for Announcement:  may be contaminated with E. coli

Company Name:Urban Remedy

Brand Name: Urban Remedy

Product Description: Salads and Wraps

E. coli Outbreak in Philadelphia Affects 14, Source Not Yet Identified

Philadelphia health officials report an outbreak of E.coli that has affected 14, with ages ranging form 7 to 90.  While it is believed it is a 'shared restaurant exposure", no restaurant has been yet identified.

Update 9/9/2019 - 16 cases now reported. Link

Philadelphia Enquirer
https://www.inquirer.com/health/e-coli-outbreak-philadelphia-diarrhea-kidney-failure-food-20190905.html
Philadelphia officials issue health alert over E. coli outbreak
by Rita Giordano, Updated: September 5, 2019

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health on Thursday announced an outbreak of E. coli infections that has sickened 14 people so far.

FDA Provides Update on E. coli Outbreak Linked to Flour, More Product Added to Recall

FDA released an update on the outbreak investigation into the illnesses cased by E. coli linked to flour.  There have been 17 cases so far, with the last one occurring mid-April.

Another company was added to those issued a flour related recall due to this.  Brand Castle is recalling cookie and brownie mixes.

https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o26-linked-adm-milling-co-flour-may-2019
Outbreak Investigation of E. Coli O26 Linked to ADM Milling Co. Flour, May 2019

Additional recall linked to ADM Milling Co. flour; Brand Castle, LLC announces recall of several cookie and brownie mixes due to potentially contaminated flour

Case Counts

• Total Illnesses: 17
•  Hospitalizations: 3
•  Deaths: 0
•  Last illness onset: April 18, 2019

More Flour Recalled Due to Potential E. coli Contamination

Two specific lot codes of its Pillsbury® Best 5 lb. Bread Flour  were recalled due to a potential presence of pathogenic E. coli. The product was manufactured by ADM Milling Co., at the company’s mill in Buffalo, NY.  :Approximately 4,620 cases of impacted Pillsbury® Best 5 lb. Bread Flour were distributed to a limited number of retailers and distributors across the following 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia."

ADM flour with potential E.coli contamination was also involved in recent recalls under brands foe Aldi and King Author Flour.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cooperation-adm-milling-co-hometown-food-company-issues-voluntary-recall-specific-lot-codes
In Cooperation with ADM Milling Co., Hometown Food Company Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lot Codes Pillsbury® Best Bread Flour Due to Possible Health Risk

Summary

Company Announcement Date: June 14, 2019

FDA Publish Date: June 14, 2019

Product Type: Food & Beverages 

Bakery Product/Mix

Reason for Announcement: E.coli

Company Name: Hometown Food Company

Brand Name: Pillsbury BEST

Product Description: Flour

Illinois Establishment Recalls Ground Beef After USDA Testing Finds E.coli O157:H7

Aurora Packing Company, Inc., a North Aurora, Ill. establishment, is recalling approximately 62,112 pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  The problem was discovered during traceback activities in response to random sample testing by FSIS.   Three have been no reported illnesses.

Aurora Packing Company, Inc. Recalls Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination 
Class I Recall
057-2019
Health Risk:High
May 22, 2019

Outbreak of E. coli O103 - 73 Cases, Source Still Unknown

CDC is investigating an ongoing outbreak of E. coli O103 infection.  To this point, 72 people have become ill in 5 different states.  Eight people have been hospitalized.  While the primary symptom is bloody diarrhea, the infection can progress to cause damage to the kidney, or HUS.  This is a severe complication with loss of kidney function.  There have not been any cases progressing to HUS.

No source has been identified yet.  Historically, outbreaks such as this have been linked to leafy greens such as romaine or spinach, undercooked ground meat, sprouts, and raw flour.

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/s0405-multistate-outbreak-e-coli.html
CDC Investigation Notice: Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O103 Infections

April 5, 2109

FDA Investigation of 2018 E. coli Outbreak Associated with Central California Grown Romaine Lettuce

FDA released their investigation report of the 2018 E. coli outbreak associated with romaine lettuce from Central California.  In this outbreak, there were "62 reported illnesses in 16 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in 25 hospitalizations and two cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). There were no deaths."

What is clear is the difficulty of surface water contamination events can be for farms.
A summarized collection of the items of note from that report:

The E. coli Outbreak and identification of source:

• The romaine lettuce that made people sick was likely harvested between late September and mid-November 2018.   This is based upon "known production practices; the anticipated shelf-life of romaine lettuce; and the fact that reported illness-onset dates occurred from October 7 through December 4, 2018."
• "All E. coli O157:H7 isolates from ill consumers had a rare genetic fingerprint, as determined by whole genome sequencing, that was closely related to one previously seen in ill consumers in the U.S. and Canada in the Fall of 2016 and the Fall of 2017.  This source of this outbreak was not definitively proven, but it was felt that romaine lettuce was the source.
• The traceback indicated that multiple farms may have been involved, however only one reservoir sample was found to be positive linking that one farm. "An alternative explanation for this lack of traceback convergence to a single farm may be due to ill consumers having multiple romaine lettuce exposures and limited recollection of exposures and brands they ate."
• With regard to the progression of identification of the growing area - "By November 26, 2018, tracebacks identified a specific California growing region where romaine lettuce contaminated with the outbreak strain likely originated and this was narrowed down by December 13, 2018, to three specific California counties.

On the sediment-positive sample in the farm's reservoir system:

• "A sediment sample taken from an on-farm water reservoir in Santa Maria in Santa Barbara County, California tested positive for the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. "
• "This farm, identified in multiple legs of the Fall 2018 U.S. and Canadian traceback investigations, was also identified as one of the potential suppliers of leafy greens or romaine lettuce in the 2017 U.S. and Canadian traceback investigations. 
• "Bacteria, such as E. coli O157:H7 can float freely in water but because they have a charged surface, they are predominantly associated with fine particulate matter, such as sediment in bodies of water, where they can persist for extended periods of time. The sediment in the bottom of reservoirs where E. coli O157:H7 can persist is likely to be stirred up into the water when pumps are used to convey water out of a reservoir. " 
• "The investigation team was not able to determine how this on-farm water reservoir became contaminated with the outbreak strain.:
• "This reservoir was not interconnected to other water sources or distribution systems in the growing region.  In the case of the Santa Maria farm, the precise route of contamination is uncertain. However, based on interviews with the grower, there are several plausible ways in which water from the on-farm water reservoir may have come into contact with the implicated romaine lettuce, including direct harvest/postharvest application to the crop and/or use of reservoir agricultural water on harvest equipment food contact surfaces."  
• "The use of agricultural water from a reservoir open to the environment has higher food safety risk as compared to that associated with use of ground water, because of the increased potential for human pathogens to contaminate surface water."

On water treatment of reservoir water:

• "In this case, the farm did have a procedure in place to collect and test reservoir agricultural water for generic E. coli and treat the agricultural water with a sanitizer before use. However, the investigation team noted that verification procedure records did not document that the water sanitizer was present at levels that would assure that the water used to contact romaine lettuce at harvest, during postharvest handling, and to wash/rinse harvest equipment food contact surfaces was not contaminated with pathogenic bacteria."
• "Inspection of water tank sanitizer treatment systems used in harvest/postharvest handling revealed that some units had undissolved sanitizer cakes and that some tank systems were constructed in a manner that likely did not allow for optimal sanitizer treatment of the agricultural water before use. Additionally, untreated water from the contaminated reservoir was used to fill tank trucks which broadly sprayed water on roads for dust abatement and these roads were traveled on by harvest equipment prior to commencing harvest operations."  

On persistence of E. coli in water and potential contamination sources:

• "The first illnesses in this outbreak occurred in early October 2018, and therefore the outbreak strain may have been present in the on-farm water reservoir for some months or even years before the investigation team collected the positive sample, or the outbreak strain may have been repeatedly introduced into the reservoir from an unknown source. Generic E. coli has been demonstrated to survive in sediments much longer than in the overlying water.  The investigation team did not identify any obvious route for contamination of the on-farm water reservoir."
• "However, evidence of extensive wild animal activity, including waterfowl, rodents, coyotes, etc., and animal burrows near the contaminated reservoir sediment was noted by the investigation team and likely warrants consideration as a possible source(s) of the human pathogen found in the on-farm water reservoir.  Additionally, adjacent land use including the use of soil amendments, or for animal grazing on nearby land by cattle and horses, may have had the potential to be reservoirs of E. coli O157:H7."

FDA Outbreak Investigation Report
https://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm631243.htm
Investigation Summary: Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Romaine Lettuce Implicated in the Fall 2018 Multi-State Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7
PDF - 80KB
 February 13, 2019

Yuma, AZ Farmers Working to Avoid Another E. coli Outbreak Associated with Romaine Lettuce

As farmers in the Yuma AZ region prepare for the upcoming season, they are also working to prevent another E. coli outbreak that dealt a financial blow to their industry as well as sickened 210 people with 96 hospitalizations (27 developing HUS) and 5 deaths.  Although FDA found water samples from an irrigation water canal in eastern Yuma County tested positive for the same genetic type of E. coli that led to E. coli cases, and that there was a cattle feedlot in the area as a potential source of the harmful bacteria, there has been nothing definitive that has turned up regarding the 22 farm fields.  Subsequent testing didn’t find the outbreak pathogen again in the canal.

"Produce growers in Arizona and California have adopted new standards based on the information gleaned from the FDA, including additional water quality testing, increased attention to weather conditions and longer distances from feedlot operations."  Repair work has also been completed on the canal.  "FDA investigators have returned to the Yuma area to test produce at the post-harvest stage at processors and coolers."

Morning Ag Clips / Associated Press
https://www.morningagclips.com/e-coli-outbreak-still-a-concern-for-yuma-area-ag/
E. coli outbreak still a concern for Yuma-area ag
Efforts continue to identify precise vulnerabilities in industry's practices, infrastructure
PUBLISHED ON January 6, 2019

Wegmans Recalls Prepared Produce Items Made with Recalled Cauliflower

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is recalling fresh Cauliflower Rice, Veggie Cauliflower Rice Blend and Stir-Fry Mix with Cauliflower, sold in the produce department between 12/7/18 and 12/18/18, because it was made with recalled cauliflower that may be potentially contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria.

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628826.htm
Wegmans Issues Voluntary Recall of Fresh Cauliflower Rice, Veggie/Cauliflower Rice Blend and Stir-Fry Mix with Cauliflower
For Immediate Release
December 18, 2018

Produce Company Linked to E. coli Outbreak Issues Recall for Leaf Lettuce and Cauliflower, WA Sandwich Company Recalls Product

Adam Brothers, the only farm identified by FDA as one of the potential sources of the E.coli linked Romaine lettuce recall, issued a recall for leaf lettuce and cauliflower.  In a statement issued by the company, "The recall was initiated after it was discovered that sediment from a reservoir near where the produce was grown tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Filtered and treated water from the
reservoir may have come in contact with the produce after it was harvested. None of the filtered,
treated water has tested positive for E. coli, all E. coli tests returning negative."

A Spokane WA sandwich company is recalling sandwiches made with green leaf lettuce grown by Adam Brothers.

While the leaf lettuce filets have not been tested to determine whether or not they have E. coli contamination, the fact that the E. coli was found in a sediment sample was sufficient enough evidence for the produce grower to issue a recall.  From the sandwich company's notice, "The affected products distributed by Spokane Produce include green leaf lettuce that was originated and recalled from Adam Bros. Farming Inc. of Santa Maria, CA."

https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628722.htm
Adam Bros. Farming, Inc. Recalls Red and Green Leaf Lettuce and Cauliflower Because of Possible Health Risk
For Immediate Release
December 17, 2018