Health officials warn not to eat romaine this Thanksgiving because they're worried about E. coli — here's what the illness is

Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images

• The CDC warned on Tuesday that Americans should avoid all forms of romaine lettuce because of an E. coli outbreak.
• E. coli is a species of bacteria that lives in the intestines of people and animals.
• Some E. coli are harmless and live inside our healthy guts, but other strains can make you sick and cause kidney failure or death.
• The outbreak the CDC is investigating involves a dangerous E. coli strain that has spread to at least 11 states and Canada. The health agency believes the source of the illnesses is contaminated romaine lettuce.

Once again, if you have any romaine lettuce in the fridge — be it pre-chopped, whole heads, or hearts — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you should throw it out. Now. 

"CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat any romaine lettuce, and retailers and restaurants not serve or sell any, until we learn more about the outbreak," the agency wrote on its website, just 48 hours out from the biggest nationwide feast of the year — Thanksgiving.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: Letting your dog lick your face puts you at risk of contracting E. coli and other bacteria

See Also:

• A superstar ex-Facebook and Google exec is trying to upend a $24 billion industry with devices that spot disease sooner — and she's already testing it on animals
• A star pharma analyst dubbed the 'Conglomerate Killer' is set to become a dealmaker at PJT Partners
• Ohio 'heartbeat bill' could ban abortions before most women know they're pregnant

SEE ALSO: Scientists compared bathroom hand dryers and paper towels to see which is really cleaner — and the winner is clear

from Business Insider https://ift.tt/2R5LohK