Romaine Lettuce
If I understand it correctly most strains of E. coli happen are caused by a lack of proper sanitation, at one level or another. There is absolutely nothing that makes Romaine any more or any less susceptible to E. Coli bacteria that other food sources.
TO BE MORE ACCURATE:
An E. coli outbreak in lettuce means there is poop on the leaves. The feces could come from livestock on a farm close to where the lettuce grows, from washing the lettuce in water that's not clean, or the contamination could come from one of the many people that touch the lettuce before it reaches consumers' mouths.
As well, fields may be fertilized with manure; bugs and birds fly around; and animals may run wild through fields (even fenced ones), or defecate in rivers and streams used to irrigate nearby farms. Growing outside means lots of opportunities for bacteria to enter the picture.
And lettuce has nothing to keep it safe like other produce. The lack of rinds or peels gives bacteria lots of entry points.
The consumption of fresh produce (as opposed to frozen or shelf-stable) has gone up substantially in the last 5+ years, whi*****reases the risk of bacterial infection. More women have been affected by this recent outbreak but they consume more salad than men so that increases their risk.
Thanks for the PSA, Amy - Happy Thanksgiving!!! 
