Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday that federal officials have brought a multistate cyclospora outbreak "under control." He stated that investigators have identified the source of the illnesses and that relevant companies have implemented recalls.
Kennedy's remarks followed an announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that an earlier laboratory result, which had indicated a Taylor Farms lettuce sample tested positive for cyclospora, was deemed a false positive after further review. The FDA continues its investigation, collecting product samples, but has not yet confirmed a positive result linked to the outbreak.
Investigators traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico and served at Taco Bell restaurants. This product has been linked to the majority of reported illnesses. In response, Taylor Fresh Foods voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17. The company stated the recall was specific to lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico and did not affect Taylor Farms-branded retail salad products.
The outbreak has affected 1,644 people across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, with 94 hospitalizations reported. Cyclospora infections are typically associated with fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs, and berries, though a definitive contaminated product has not been confirmed by laboratory testing in this instance.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause symptoms such as prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, and nausea. In some cases, individuals may require hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kennedy also addressed criticism regarding the administration's response, specifically inquiries about potential impacts from cuts to the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet. He asserted that surveillance efforts continue nationwide and deemed the criticisms of the administration's response as "invalid," explaining that the cuts were made to redundant surveillance programs.