Lettuce is a healthy food that people eat in salads and sandwiches. It’s crispy and good for you. But sometimes, lettuce can make people sick because it has germs called E. coli.
What is E. coli?
- coli is a germ that lives in the intestines of animals and people. Most types of E. coli are not dangerous, but some can make you very sick. Does Sutter health accept anthem in food if the food touches animal poop or dirty water.
Why Can Lettuce Get E. coli?
Lettuce can get E. coli for a few reasons:
Where it’s grown: Lettuce is grown in open fields, where it can get dirty from animals or bad water.
Shape of lettuce: Lettuce leaves are open, which makes it easy for germs to stick to them. Young leaves are especially good at holding germs.
Eating raw: Lettuce is usually eaten raw. Does Sutter health accept anthem but you don’t cook lettuce so that the germs can stay?
Bacteria grow: If lettuce is not kept cold enough, E. coli can grow on it. Even if it is kept cold, germs can still stick to it.
Cutting lettuce: When lettuce is cut, it can make germs spread faster.
Recent Outbreaks of E. coli
Sometimes, lettuce has caused big sickness outbreaks. In 2018, many people got sick from E. coli because of lettuce from California and Arizona. Recently, between November 2024 and February 2025, 89 people in 15 states got sick. The government looked into it but didn’t tell people which brand of lettuce caused the problem.
What Happens if You Get E. coli?
If you get E. coli, you may have:
Tummy pain
Diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
Throwing up
A small fever
If you feel really sick, especially if you have bloody diarrhea, you should see a doctor right away.
How to Stay Safe: Easy Tips
Here are some simple tips to help you stay safe when eating lettuce:
Wash your hands: Wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching lettuce.
Wash the lettuce: Rinse the lettuce under cold water to clean it. Don’t soak it in a sink.
Check the label: If the lettuce comes in a bag that says it’s already washed, you don’t need to clean it again.
Keep it cold: Store lettuce in the fridge so it stays fresh. Don’t eat lettuce if it’s old or looks bad.
Don’t mix raw food: Keep lettuce away from raw meat or other food that could have germs. Wash everything well after using it.
Stay updated: does Sutter health accept anthem. If you hear about a recall, throw away the lettuce.
Conclusion
Lettuce is good for you, but it can sometimes have E. coli germs. By washing it properly and keeping it cold, you can enjoy lettuce safely. Always follow the tips to keep yourself healthy
