DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - Officials with Dallas County Health and Human Services are urging people to check to see if any romaine lettuce they have is affected by a nation-wide recall.
The Centers For Disease Control issued a warning about romaine lettuce from Salinas, California that has been linked to an outbreak of E. coli.
"There are 40 reported cases across the country in 16 states," said Dr. Philip Huang with Dallas County Health and Human Services. "There are no reported cases in Texas."
Stores and restaurants should have already removed the lettuce. Individuals, Dr. Huang said, should "check any romaine lettuce to make sure it's not from that area, and if there is no indication...throw it away."
In addition to disposing of the lettuce that's been affected by the recall, Dr. Huang is also reminding people to use proper food-handling procedures to reduce their risk of E. Coli.
"Wash your fruits and vegetables. Wash your hands before and after preparation," he said. "Use separate plates and utensils for cooked and raw foods. Fruits and vegetables should be stored away from and not next to or below raw meat, poultry or seafood."
Severe cases of E. coli can lead to kidney failure. Most cases, Dr. Huang said, have symptoms that are less serious and develop three to four days after eating the contaminated product. "Usually you get severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, sometimes bloody vomiting and low-grade fever," he said. "Most people will get better after five to seven days."
The CDC has additional information about the outbreak on its website