Snip: December 2, 2005 Health officials on Thursday identified lettuce as the likely source for a hepatitis A outbreak in Los Angeles County and urged residents to thoroughly wash the vegetable before eating it.
At least 60 people have fallen ill from the virus in Los Angeles County over the last three months. Officials are concerned because the outbreak comes after years of declining hepatitis A cases, but they have been unable to link the outbreak to a particular farm or type of lettuce.
There were at least two outbreaks: one in a downtown Los Angeles restaurant in September that affected 13; the other at an event catered by a Hollywood company in October where 19 fell ill. The other cases were scattered.
Officials would not identify the specific locations of the outbreaks, saying there is no ongoing risk at those sites.
"We believe lettuce was the problem in these events," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, public health director for Los Angeles County.
Personal Note: If you read my post yesterday that says washing does not remove everything from the cells of the produce you buy, then you know to take the precautions posted by Granny today. Secondarily, much produce from LA is shipped elsewhere in the country, so suggest you clean any lettuce you purchase from unknown shipping origin locations vigorously.
Yes I read that post and Granny's as well. My response to LucyT right above this are my lettuce and veggie thoughts. :)
I must say it's pretty pathetic that a country with all the technology we have now has to worry about this kind of stuff.