COWS MAY HAVE CAUSED E. COLI CONTAMINATION OF LETTUCE: FDA

Citing the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), AP said feces from the cows, which contain the bacteria, is considered “the most likely contributing factor” to three outbreaks of food-borne illness traced to fields in the Salinas Valley, the report said.

The outbreaks occurred last November and December and affected people in at least 16 states and Canada. No deaths were reported.

Investigators concluded that the illness was centered on ranches and fields owned by the same grower and that were located near the public land where cattle grazed.