Just 3 months after a deadly E. Coli outbreak potentially linked to romaine lettuce in both Canada and parts of the US, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is warning American citizens to stay away from romaine lettuce, specifically that of the Yuma, Arizona growing region.

Unlike the last lettuce-gate, during which Canada issued official warnings to its citizens to avoid romaine while the US did not, the CDC is stating this time that, while “no common grower, supplier, distributor, or brand has been identified,” citizens should heed the following advice:

• Do not buy or eat romaine lettuce at a grocery store or restaurant unless you can confirm it is not from the Yuma, Arizona, growing region.
• Unless the source of the product is known, consumers anywhere in the United States who have any store-bought romaine lettuce at home should not eat it and should throw it away, even if some of it was eaten and no one has gotten sick. Product labels often do not identify growing regions; so, throw out any romaine lettuce if you’re uncertain about where it was grown. This includes whole heads and hearts of romaine, chopped romaine, and salads and salad mixes containing romaine lettuce. If you do not know if the lettuce is romaine, do not eat it and throw it away.

So far, 53 people have been infected with E. Coli in 16 states, 31 of whom have been hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, 5 patients “have developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.” Thankfully, there are no reported deaths as of this time.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m suddenly super glad I passed on that Ceasar salad at the restaurant the other night. After the amount of illness we’ve had this winter already, I seriously am not sure we could handle any more, and it would be just my luck to contract a potentially deadly infection because I couldn’t keep my gluttonous mouth off one more side dish I have no business indulging in.

The CDC states it will continue to investigate and update citizens as necessary. In the meantime, stay safe out there, folks, and don’t forget to seek medical assistance for yourselves and your loved ones if you suspect your illness is a result of having consumed romaine.

Here’s to a safe and speedy recovery to those already affected.