US FDA closes cyclospora lettuce probe, finds strong link to Taylor Farms Mexico
CMG•The FDA said it found strong evidence linking recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ Mexico subsidiary to a multistate cyclospora outbreak, but could not determine how contamination occurred. The outbreak sickened 12,883 people across 21 states, hospitalized 570 and killed two.
1. FDA investigation findings
The FDA said patient illness reports and supply-chain tracking strongly supported a link between the recalled lettuce and the outbreak. Two environmental samples tested positive for cyclospora: one from an outgoing wastewater tank at Taylor Farms de Mexico’s processing facility and one from a drainage ditch at a lettuce grower. The agency said genetic testing of both samples was complete, while comparison with samples from patients remained underway.
2. Company response and next steps
Taylor Fresh Foods said the evidence does not conclusively show how contamination occurred or how the sample results relate to patient testing. It said the grower where one positive sample was found is no longer in its supplier program. The FDA outlined a 10-point plan to strengthen parasite surveillance and outbreak prevention, including increased monitoring of produce and outreach to growers ahead of the 2027 growing season.
3. Outbreak toll
The outbreak sickened 12,883 people across 21 states, hospitalized 570 and killed two. The CDC declared it over on September 11. It accounted for more than half of the 19,883 laboratory-confirmed US cyclosporiasis cases reported since May 1.
