Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Wendy’s removes lettuce from sandwiches amid fears of an E.coli outbreak

37 people in four midwestern states have fallen ill

Bevan Hurley
Saturday 20 August 2022 13:15 EDT
Comments
What is E.Coli - What can you do to protect yourself and others

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Wendy’s says it is removing lettuce from its sandwiches in four states over an E.coli outbreak that left 37 people ill, including 10 hospitalised.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was trying to determine whether romaine lettuce served at the fast food restaurants had caused the sicknesses.

Diners in midwestern states Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana reported they had been infected with E.coli after eating at Wendy’s.

Wendy’s told The Independent in a statement that it was cooperating with the CDC investigation. 

“While the CDC has not yet confirmed a specific food as the source of that outbreak, we are taking the precaution of removing the sandwich lettuce from restaurants in that region,” Wendy’s said.

The chain added that lettuce used in its salads was not affected.

The Ohio Department of Health is also investigating after 19 people reported falling ill in the state.

Wendy’s has pulled lettuce from its burgers due to an E. coli scare
Wendy’s has pulled lettuce from its burgers due to an E. coli scare (Associated Press)

The CDC said it was not advising people to avoid eating at Wendy’s restaurants.

It advised anyone experiencing E.coli symptoms including bloody diarrhoea, a fever of 102F (38.9C) and vomiting to seek medical attention immediately.

Those experiencing symptoms should make note of what they had eaten over the previous week.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in