Federal food-safety officials say iceberg lettuce linked through epidemiological and traceback evidence to a major Cyclospora outbreak has been removed from the U.S. market. Acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Kyle Diamantas is urging Americans to remain confident in fresh produce, while the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue investigating an outbreak that has sickened nearly 2,000 people.
Diamantas said Tuesday that Americans should feel confident eating fresh produce, including leafy greens. He said the FDA believes all iceberg lettuce associated with the Cyclospora outbreak was effectively removed from the market following a July 17 recall.
Taylor Farms de Mexico, based in Guanajuato, Mexico, voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market on July 17. The recalled lettuce had been distributed to food-service customers in 27 states between June 29 and July 16. The recall also included certain Marketside iceberg salad and shredded lettuce products sold at select Walmart stores.
The outbreak investigation identified illnesses in nine states among people who reported exposure to Taco Bell. As of the FDA’s July 24 update, 1,947 people infected with Cyclospora and reporting Taco Bell exposure had been identified. At least 98 people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.
The FDA initially reported that a lettuce sample supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico had tested positive for Cyclospora. After laboratory experts reviewed the results, however, the agency determined the finding was a false positive. As of July 19, the FDA said it had no confirmed positive product samples for Cyclospora.
That finding did not end the investigation or reverse the recall. The FDA said its epidemiological evidence and traceback investigation continued to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from growers in central Mexico. Diamantas said Tuesday that the agency remained “very confident” the iceberg lettuce from central Mexico was responsible for the outbreak.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Common symptoms include frequent diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss. Untreated cases can result in dehydration and other complications, according to the FDA.
The FDA has also finalized updated guidance for companies that manufacture and process ready-to-eat fresh-cut produce. Recommendations include stronger sanitation controls, supplier verification, refrigeration, safe water practices and other measures designed to reduce biological contamination. The recommendations are guidance rather than legally binding requirements.
Cyclospora presents a particular challenge because antimicrobial treatments used in wash water may not adequately control the parasite. The FDA said additional research into how Cyclospora contaminates fresh produce remains underway.
