Roundy's and Fox Piggly Wiggly say their romaine lettuce isn't part of outbreak

Two Milwaukee-area grocery store chains say their romaine lettuce isn’t part of a national outbreak involving E. coli-contaminated produce.

Saturday, federal health officials expanded their E. coli warning to all types of romaine lettuce from the Yuma, Ariz., region as they investigate an illness outbreak affecting dozens of people.

Pennsylvania has been the hardest-hit state with 12 cases of E. coli sickness followed by Idaho with 10. Montana and Arizona are among the other states affected, USA Today reported.

Of the cases, 31 people were hospitalized including five who developed a type of kidney failure.

All romaine lettuce originating from the Yuma region should be thrown out, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

In the Milwaukee area, Roundy’s Supermarkets and Fox Brothers Piggly Wiggly say their romaine lettuce isn’t from the Yuma region.

“Roundy’s is not affected by this outbreak,” said James Hyland, vice president of investor relations and corporate communications.

“Our bulk romaine lettuce and hearts sold at green racks are supplied from growers in California. Our packaged chopped lettuce for Fresh Express and Organic Girl are also not supplied from the Yuma region, and our mixed salads from the salad bar and service deli are not affected.”

That’s also true for Fox Piggly Wiggly, said Pat Fox, president of that grocery chain.

“Our supplier, Piggly Wiggly Midwest, has told us that the product they source is not from Yuma,” Fox said.

“But if any consumer has any concern about it whatsoever and wants to bring back their purchase, we will gladly take it back and refund their money,” he added.