Sen. Elizabeth Warren has written to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding information about the administration's handling of the nation's largest cyclosporiasis outbreak. Warren described the response as "calamitous" in a letter, raising concerns about potential incompetence and corruption contributing to the crisis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States has seen at least 24,000 confirmed or suspected cases of cyclosporiasis across 47 states. The parasitic gastrointestinal illness has resulted in two deaths and at least 740 hospitalizations, a significant increase from the typical annual rate of approximately 3,000 cases.
The Food and Drug Administration has identified iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of nearly 10,000 cases in 17 states.
Warren's letter noted that Taco Bell, which received some of the contaminated lettuce, provided consumer guidance that appeared clearer and more timely than that issued by federal agencies like the FDA and CDC. She also pointed out that Taylor Farms' parent company, Taylor Fresh Foods, Inc., made a $1 million donation in March 2025 to MAGA Inc., a political action committee aligned with former President Trump.
The letter further suggests the White House may have influenced delays in public warnings. It references a Wall Street Journal report indicating that Taylor Farms lobbyists sought additional time and evidence from the White House before federal agencies officially implicated the company.
A source familiar with the situation told ABC News that Taylor Farms did not meet the FDA's 24-hour timeline for determining voluntary action after being contacted on July 14. Taylor Farms subsequently announced a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce on July 17 and suspended production from the implicated distributor.
A spokesperson for Taylor Fresh Foods stated that the company operates in the interest of science and consumer health, not politics, and categorically rejected allegations of improper influence or favorable regulatory treatment. The spokesperson added that Taylor Farms is a leader in traceability and has already implemented protocols ahead of the Food Traceability Rule's compliance deadline.
When asked about the outbreak on July 21, Secretary Kennedy told ABC News that the federal government has the situation under control and that the source of the outbreak has been identified, leading to recalls by involved companies.