British Virgin Islands Environmental Health Division officials are advising consumers not to eat romaine lettuce or products containing romaine lettuce from Salinas, California USA.

A notice was received from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who are currently investigating the multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. Coli O157:H7) bacteria that has been linked to the romaine lettuce.

Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Lionel Michael says, “Environmental Health Officers have already begun inspections of various supermarkets to ensure that the product has been removed from the shelves. If the Romaine lettuce is found, it will be condemned and discarded.”

The Environmental Health Division acting on the CDC alert is advising local retailers and restaurateurs to cease the sale of Romaine Lettuce.

Persons are further advised to contact a healthcare/medical provider if the product has been consumed and they show any sign and symptoms of illness with after affects.

For other questions or concerns, persons are encouraged to contact the Environmental Health Division at 468-5110.

The Environmental Health Division is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the environment with the potential to negatively impact health are managed efficiently to enable all persons in the BVI to attain and maintain optimal health and social well-being.