FDA Retracts Cyclospora Test Result on Taylor Farms Lettuce

Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by consuming food or water contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite. This summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 1,600 individuals fell ill due to the outbreak. The source of the contamination remains unidentified.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a prior test linking Cyclospora with a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms de Mexico was incorrect. The FDA reviewed and stated that the result was a false positive. Despite this, the FDA said the investigation and voluntary recall of Taylor Farms products continue, based on epidemiological data.

Consumers are advised not to eat iceberg lettuce grown or processed by Taylor Farms in Mexico. These products were available at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taco Bell has since stopped using this lettuce. It was also sold at Walmart stores in 15 states.

Health officials suggest discarding any recalled lettuce. The advice stems from interviews with affected individuals, many of whom consumed Taco Bell meals with the suspect lettuce.

The FDA continues testing lettuce and produce at the southern border for Cyclospora but has found no further positive results. Currently, over 1,600 cases caused by the parasite are confirmed, with several thousand more suspected. Ninety-four people required hospitalization; however, no deaths have occurred.

In a statement, Taylor Farms noted the FDA’s apology and highlighted that no positive test results for Cyclospora were identified in their products. The company voluntarily recalled their iceberg lettuce from central Mexico and is now sourcing produce from other locations, working closely with public health authorities.

Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis include diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. To prevent infection, officials recommend cooking produce to 158 F. Thorough washing with water can also lower the risk. Although cases are rising, similar outbreaks have occurred each summer since the 1990s.

Microbiologist Donald Schaffner from Rutgers University explains that identifying the source quickly can limit an outbreak. He notes cases might not always be connected. Separate clusters can exist, and the source isn’t always food. Some cases result from contaminated water, either consumed or used in food production.