Lettuce tests negative in St. Louis County E. coli outbreak

ST. LOUIS -- More than 100 people have been sickened in an ongoing E. coli outbreak potentially connected to salads served at several events, St. Louis County health officials reported Wednesday. Despite a recent negative test result for lettuce samples from Andre's Banquets & Catering, investigators remain focused on the local catering company as the probable source of contamination.

John Armengol Jr., owner of Andre’s Banquet Center, says that the St. Louis County Health Department is wrongly suggesting that Andre’s was the source of the E Coli. He recently issued a statement on the outbreak. A portion of it states, "Earlier today, an Environmental Public Health Specialist from the State of Missouri notified me that testing done on the samples was negative for E. coli. While I am relieved to learn of the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory’s negative test results, I will continue to cooperate with the state and local health departments."

The outbreak has primarily impacted students from Rockwood Summit High School, with one patient currently hospitalized. Health department officials have linked the illnesses to five events held between November 6-9, including two funerals, a high school band banquet, and a veterans event.

Dozens of people are reporting similar symptoms tied to a common exposure. While a Monday lettuce sampling returned negative results, health officials emphasized that such tests can miss isolated pockets of bacteria.

The investigation continues as the company faces potential legal challenges, with at least two lawsuits already filed. Andre's has denied responsibility, claiming some students were ill before the catered events.

The Missouri Department of Health is conducting ongoing interviews and monitoring the outbreak, with further testing and investigation expected in the coming weeks.