A recall of Romaine Lettuce has been issued after 40 people throughout the country have been infected with E. Coli, officials said Friday.

The Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health authorities are investigating an outbreak of illnesses caused by E. coli from Romaine Lettuce which has been traced back to farms in Salinas, California.

E. coli are mostly harmless bacteria that live in the intestines of people and animals and contribute to intestinal health. However, eating or drinking food or water contaminated with certain types of E. coli can cause mild to severe gastrointestinal illness, according to officials.

People infected with pathogenic E. coli can start to notice symptoms anywhere from a few days after consuming contaminated food or as much as nine days later. Generally, the symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.

The Romaine Lettuce that the recall have found be affected is sold under the brands Ready Pac, Marketside and Signature.

The salads containing the contaminated Romaine are all prepackaged bowls mixed with other toppings such as Caesar and Santa Fe style salads, according to the report.

Officials are urging people around the country, including those in Santa Clarita to dispose or return any Romaine Lettuce that has been grown in Salinas or that does not state where the lettuce was grown.

However, if the labeling says that the Romaine Lettuce was grown indoors or in a greenhouse it is believed to be safe for consumption.

The first illnesses were reported towards the end of September, and since then 40 people have been infected, 28 of which have been hospitalized, according to officials.

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