Health Alert: Avoid Bagged Salads Due to Cyclospora Outbreak

Consumers face warnings to avoid bagged salads as cyclospora infections continue to rise nationwide. Susan Mayne, a leading epidemiologist and former FDA food safety chief, advised caution during a CBS News interview. This advice aligns with ongoing investigations into a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite.

The Impact of Cyclospora

Cyclospora typically associates with fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs, and berries. Symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea, severe cramps, and fatigue. The current outbreak remains under investigation as former FDA officials urge caution until more details emerge.

Outbreak Details

The CDC reports 4,173 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis since May, with 7,400 unconfirmed. Michigan alone has 8,176 cases, making this one of the largest recorded outbreaks in the U.S. Officials previously linked 1,947 illnesses across nine states to Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce. However, Taylor Farms states no positive Cyclospora samples have been identified in their products.

“We invest over $200 million annually in food safety protocols,” said a Taylor Farms spokesperson. “Despite concerns, we recalled potentially affected products and suspended production in central Mexico.”

Taylor Farms is conducting an independent review of its safety measures at its Mexican facility, emphasizing transparency as more information arises.

FDA Investigation Ongoing

The FDA continues to examine another cyclospora outbreak, with lettuce, parsley, and cilantro as potential sources. Despite a recall of shredded iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico, Susan Mayne advised avoiding bagged salads. She described the outbreak as unprecedented and warned that minor contamination in bagged salads could spread widely.

Challenges in Food Safety Monitoring

The outbreak highlights deficiencies in federal food safety monitoring. Mayne noted chronic underfunding in U.S. food safety efforts. In July 2025, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network reduced its tracking of food poisoning infections.

Understanding Cyclospora

Cyclospora cayetanensis, a microscopic parasite, causes cyclosporiasis through contaminated food or water, often linked to fresh produce. Poor sanitation practices, such as inadequate hand-washing or contaminated water, facilitate its spread.

Symptoms include explosive diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, weight loss, and fatigue. Symptoms can occur up to two weeks post-exposure and last for weeks or months without treatment. The parasite requires environmental maturation before becoming infectious, complicating outbreak tracing and containment.

Doctors typically treat cyclospora with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). While most recover, severe dehydration and prolonged illness can impact vulnerable groups.