Lettuce was culprit in latest cases

Conflicting land uses

One potential problem is the proximity of ranching and farming operations in parts of California. Cattle and other animals harbor the bacteria, which is shed in their feces.

 

Indeed, officials said, the same sub-strain of E. coli involved in the Taco Bell and Taco John's outbreak was found in two unidentified "environmental samples" from dairy farms next to one of the chain's lettuce growers.

In the spinach outbreak, the implicated greens were ultimately traced to four farms in Monterey and San Benito counties. Near one of the farms, which was next to a cattle ranch, officials found the sub-strain that caused illnesses in cow manure, a wild pig's intestines and creek water.

Authentic Health Association asks the question, is it the water......over and over people are getting sick from the water that they are drinking and bathing in. Yet in this Los Angeles Times Article the solutions that are referred to is passing new laws. Hopefully the focus will be up on educating people, farmers, growers, processors, all to clean their water and having more humane growing methods for dairy and meat animals so that these animals are not infested with bacteria due to how the animals are raised.