The new multi-state outbreak of the dreaded E. coli O157:H7 from fresh produce is now being investigated, state and federal food safety officials say.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) are investigating the multi-state outbreak, along with the health departments in three states.

“The FDA is aware of an outbreak involving E. coli O157:H7 in Utah, Colorado, and New York State,” says Foodtracker, a subscriber service. “Health officials are conducting investigations with assistance from the CDC. A food vehicle has yet to be identified.”

“Five cases of E. coli O157 were confirmed in Colorado from individuals who had eaten at the same restaurant on Sept. 4,” Mark Salley, spokesman for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment told Food Safety News. “None of the individuals were hospitalized.”

“According to the NY State Dept. of Health, no food or restaurant has been implicated at this time. Produce (including lettuce) is being looked at as a possible source,” Foodtracker adds.

Late Tuesday, the New York State Health Department said it had one case of E. coli related to the Colorado cases and one other case in Utah.

Food Safety News yesterday reported that lettuce from a California supplier is the likely source of the E. coli.  See Produce E. coli Outbreak in 3 States.