Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas stated that the source of a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea, has been "effectively removed from the market," and that Americans "should feel confident in eating fresh produce." The agency remains confident that iceberg lettuce from central Mexico was the source, despite a positive test result for the parasite cyclospora in a sample of Taylor Farms lettuce being revealed as a false-positive.
Diamantas asserted that "the US has the safest food supply in the world." However, confusion persists as a definitive source of the pathogen has not been confirmed through positive pathogen testing. Taylor Farms has reported that no further testing of its products has detected the cyclospora pathogen. The company had voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico that the CDC and FDA had linked to the outbreak. Taco Bell had previously removed lettuce from its menu items after the outbreak was first identified in July and linked to shredded lettuce served at some of its locations.
As of August 11, the CDC reported 13,895 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis and an additional 10,455 suspected cases since May 1. The illness has been reported in 47 states and Washington, D.C., resulting in 740 hospitalizations. Two deaths in Michigan, the state hardest hit by the outbreak, have been linked to the pathogen. The FDA and CDC indicated that their investigation is ongoing, and the number of cases is expected to rise.
In a separate issue, the FDA is also addressing a salmonella outbreak tied to jalapenos. Taylor Farms recently recalled salsa, dip, and guacamole products containing the peppers due to this separate outbreak.