The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have tied Wendy’s locations in four states to 37 cases of E. Coli. Thus far, the 37 cases in question have led to 10 hospitalizations, but no deaths. Investigators have not identified what is causing the outbreak, but locations in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Ohio have removed romaine lettuce from their daily operations.
“A specific food has not yet been confirmed as the source of this outbreak, but many sick people reported eating sandwiches with romaine lettuce at Wendy’s restaurants in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania before getting sick,” the CDC stated.
“Based on this information, Wendy’s is taking the precautionary measure of removing the romaine lettuce being used in sandwiches from restaurants in that region. Wendy’s uses a different type of romaine lettuce for salads. Investigators are working to confirm whether romaine lettuce is the source of this outbreak, and whether romaine lettuce used in Wendy’s sandwiches was served or sold at other businesses.”
Investigators are currently looking into Wendy’s locations in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. The restaurant chain has not issued an official statement, but the CDC says that it “is fully cooperating with the investigation.”