Dear Editor,

I have a serious concern about fresh produce in our grocery stores. I watched MSNBC today and discovered lettuce is being removed from our produce departments across the country as a precautionary measure. I wonder how many people are aware the FBI is involved in making sure the produce is removed and not returned to our stores? If the FBI is involved, doesn't this indicate a more severe problem than what is being released to the general public?

E. COLI is a disease transmitted from fecal material. You know, the reason why food handlers have to WASH their hands after using the restroom. Now I ask you, who works in the produce fields of California? Are they provided with restrooms and sinks with soap and hot water to wash their hands, while out in the fields?

I would like to urge your readers to ask at the produce department where the produce is being grown and packaged. Then, they can make an informed decision whether to purchase or not.

Today I went into a local chain store to buy celery. I searched the packaging from top to bottom to discover the location it was grown and packaged. The only information made available to me was MADE IN USA. I asked the person in the produce department where the celery was grown and packaged. We could not effectively communicate. He spoke Spanish, I spoke English. I was directed to an English speaking person who said, "California". I was too uncomfortable to purchase the celery.

I encourage your readers to ask questions and to stay safe.

Valerie Gamblin, Cleveland
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