FDA finds potential source of cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce

Live updates

1. 45m ago

   FDA Links Massive Lettuce Parasite Outbreak to Taylor Farms Mexico Site

   The FDA has closed its investigation into a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, identifying a strong link to a facility and growing site in Mexico. During onsite inspections, the agency detected the Cyclospora parasite in two environmental samples, including a grower drainage ditch. While these findings pinpoint a potential source, the FDA stated the results do not establish the exact contamination route. The outbreak is described as the largest foodborne illness outbreak of this parasite in US history, sickening 12,883 people.

   Why it matters

   Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. This specific outbreak occurred over the summer and led to widespread recalls of iceberg lettuce. The scale of the event makes it a significant case for food safety regulators.

   What is confirmed

   • The FDA found Cyclospora at a Taylor Farms site in Mexico and where lettuce was grown.
   • The FDA detected the parasite in two environmental samples.
   • The outbreak was linked to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce.
   • The FDA has closed its investigation into the parasite probe.
   • The outbreak sickened 12,883 people.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Two people died in a Michigan Cyclospora outbreak.
   • The Mexico Health Ministry investigation found shocking results.

   What to watch next

   • FDA determination of the exact contamination route
   • Further reports from the Mexico Health Ministry regarding the farm findings
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. www.foxbusiness.com — Health Care
   2. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — FDA finds potential source of cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce
   3. The Washington Post — FDA found cyclospora at Taylor Farms Mexico site and where lettuce was grown
   4. AP News — Cyclospora found at Mexican farm linked to lettuce outbreak, FDA says
   5. The Detroit News — US FDA closes lettuce parasite probe, links outbreak to Mexico facility
   6. The New York Times — F.D.A. Found Cyclospora During Taylor Farms Inspection in Mexico
   7. Reuters — US FDA closes cyclospora lettuce parasite probe, finds strong link to Taylor Farms Mexico
   8. Fox Business — FDA concludes investigation into Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce
   9. LiveNOW from FOX — 2 people die in Michigan Cyclospora outbreak
   10. www.newsbreak.com — FDA finds potential source of cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce - NewsBreak
   11. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Lettuce probe into largest foodborne illness outbreak of parasite in US history: Mexico's Health Ministry....
   12. www.click2houston.com — Cyclospora found at Mexican farm linked to lettuce outbreak, FDA says - KPRC 2,Click2Houston
   confidence 90%