Report Reveals FDA Suppressed Details of Deadly E. coli Outbreak Spanning 15 States

A recent investigation uncovers that the federal government’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concealed critical information about a significant E. coli outbreak that resulted in one fatality and affected at least 15 states across the United States. The outbreak was initially detected in November 2024 in St. Louis County, Missouri, linked to romaine lettuce consumed at a local high school. Despite the rising number of cases—115 confirmed instances, 13 requiring hospitalization—the FDA did not publicly disclose any details about the event. An internal report obtained by NBC News disclosed that the agency failed to communicate about the outbreak, which subsequently spread throughout the Great Plains and Midwest regions, from Montana to Pennsylvania. While the outbreak appeared linked to contaminated leafy greens, the FDA did not identify specific companies or brands involved, highlighting gaps in transparency. Legislation does not obligate the FDA to publicize all foodborne disease outbreaks, but historically, the agency has shared information on such hazards. Critics argue that withholding this data hinders public awareness and safety. The outbreak was officially declared over in February 2025, but concerns remain over the lack of transparency from federal regulators. For more detailed information, source reports are available at NBC News and DocumentCloud.