Re: What things live in lettuce and can I get sick from them?

Aloha, Michael,

It depends on where or in what the lettuce is grown.  Most of our lettuce 
is grown in (on top of) the ground.  So, any microorganism (bacterium, 
mold, virus, parasite, etc.) that is in the ground could contaminate the 
lettuce.  In fact, some people have recently gotten ill from a strain of 
bacteria (E. Coli O157H7) that can be pretty dangerous, especially to 
infants, the elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system.

It the lettuce is grown hydroponically (in water, with nutrients added), 
the major problem would be what else is in the water.

This is not to suggest that you should give up lettuce, any other 
ground-grown fruit or vegetable.  It does suggest, however, that you should 
buy your lettuce from a reputable (and clean) grocer, keep it clean/cool at 
home, and wash it well before you use it.  If it looks dirty at the produce 
department, I probably wouldn't buy it...and would ask the produce manager 
about the source of the lettuce, how it was transported to the store, and 
how it had been stored at the store...and maybe even complain to the store 
manager.

If you grow your own lettuce, I'd make an effort to keep animals out of the 
garden (the fecal matter could contaminate the crops) and/or wash the 
lettuce well before eating it.