What You Need to Know
• The Food and Drug Administration confirmed cyclosporiasis cases linked to recalled iceberg lettuce in 20 states.
• The outbreak has sickened 11,458 individuals, with two deaths reported in Michigan.
• Investigators are focusing on lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico, which was last inspected seven years ago.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that cases of cyclosporiasis linked to recalled iceberg lettuce have been confirmed in 20 states as of Thursday. The total number of affected individuals has risen to 11,458, an increase from approximately 10,900 reported the previous week, with two deaths attributed to the outbreak occurring in Michigan. The FDA, along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health officials, is investigating lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier based in central Mexico. Notably, the FDA last inspected Taylor Farms de Mexico seven years ago, and officials are currently conducting inspections and testing at the farm in collaboration with the Mexican government.
Why It Matters
This outbreak of cyclosporiasis is significant as it represents the largest of its kind in the United States. The FDA’s ongoing investigation highlights the importance of food safety inspections, particularly for produce imported from other countries. Historically, outbreaks of cyclosporiasis tend to occur during the late spring and summer months, and this year’s total of approximately 17,180 confirmed cases marks a substantial increase compared to previous years. In 2019, the worst year for cyclosporiasis infections, only about 4,700 cases were reported nationally.
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