Michigan health officials have announced that residents can once again consume lettuce and salad greens without reservation, as new cases of cyclosporiasis have declined significantly. This marks a shift from previous advisories issued during a multi-state outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations.
The iceberg lettuce in question was supplied by Taylor Farms and originated from central Mexico. In response to the outbreak, Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from that region. Taco Bell has confirmed it has stopped using lettuce from this supplier at all its restaurants.
According to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the majority of the contaminated produce is likely no longer available for consumption. The state has observed a decrease in new cyclosporiasis cases and related emergency department visits, with most exposures having occurred in late June or early July.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive at MDHHS, stated that the department has been committed to providing transparent information and clear recommendations. "As new data has emerged, our guidance has evolved to reflect the best available evidence, helping ensure that prevention recommendations are accurate, actionable and responsive to the changing situation," she said in a press release.
The advisory against bagged salad mixes is no longer in effect. MDHHS has advised residents that they may resume their usual food handling practices and make dietary choices based on their individual risk tolerance. Health officials still recommend consumers avoid any recalled food products and continue to practice good hygiene, including rinsing fruits and vegetables and washing hands and surfaces frequently.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating other cyclosporiasis outbreaks and illnesses that are separate from the nine-state outbreak involving the recalled lettuce. As of Tuesday, the CDC reported over 22,000 cases of cyclosporiasis across 47 states since May 1. This national data includes at least 10,468 laboratory-confirmed cases with 423 hospitalizations, and an additional 12,255 cases that are pending confirmation or further investigation.