Curli Production Influences Cross-contamination by Escherichia coliO157:H7 When Washing Fresh-cut Romaine Lettuce

•Washing removed more (p < 0.05) curli− cells from leaf surfaces vs curli+ cells.•Washing also removed more (p < 0.05) curli− cells from leaf edges.•Curli+ cells always showed more (p < 0.05) transfer to noninoculated leaves.•When inoculated leaves were washed, most contamination ended up in the wash water.•Less than 1% of the contamination on inoculated leaves was transferred to other leaves.