Federal health officials have declared an end to the largest outbreak of cyclospora food poisoning in U.S. history, coinciding with the investigation into a separate, multistate salmonella outbreak potentially linked to broccoli sprouts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that all recalled iceberg lettuce associated with the cyclospora outbreak has been removed from the market.
The cyclospora outbreak, which began in July, resulted in nearly 20,000 lab-confirmed cases, significantly higher than the same period the previous year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that two deaths and 570 hospitalizations were attributed to the infection, which causes debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms. At its peak, the outbreak saw over 1,000 infections reported daily, a number that later decreased to fewer than two per day by August.
California-based Taylor Farms' Mexican operations were identified as a source of contamination. Taco Bell restaurants were particularly affected, with numerous customers falling ill after consuming contaminated products. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against Taylor Farms and Taco Bell by individuals who became sick during the outbreak.
Taylor Farms initially disputed the findings linking its lettuce to the outbreak, stating that the FDA had made a mistake and apologized for conflicting test results. However, the FDA maintained its position, noting that the company recalled 236,192 cases of salad due to potential contamination. The FDA stated on Friday that its investigation into the outbreak is ongoing.
In comparison, the second-worst year for cyclospora infections was 2019, with approximately 4,700 cases nationwide.
Separately, public health officials are investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts. As of the latest reports, 22 individuals have fallen ill, and two have been hospitalized. Idaho-based Evergreen Fresh Sprouts has voluntarily recalled its broccoli sprout products in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Washington due to concerns about contamination with salmonella bovismorbificans, a bacterium known to cause bloody diarrhea.