US FDA says it is investigating another cyclosporiasis outbreak

Cyclospora infections typically spike in the U.S. during the spring and summer months as warmer climates help the parasite thrive, often leading to multistate investigations by health authorities.

Regulators have linked the broader spread in the Midwest, the largest foodborne illness outbreak in the U.S. in recent years, to a Taylor Farms plant in Mexico.

On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The recall includes lettuce sold in retail stores, served in restaurants and distributed to food service customers.

However, Mexico said on Tuesday there was no evidence yet to suggest that lettuce sourced from it caused the outbreak in the U.S.

The outbreak has also affected restaurant operators. Shares of Yum Brands fell nearly 10% last week after reports linked Taco Bell to the spread of the illness, although analysts have said the impact on the chain's sales is unlikely to cause lasting damage. Taco Bell has since stopped using lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms.

The U.S. FDA has said it is investigating a new outbreak of cyclosporiasis, with 72 cases tied to an as-yet-unidentified source.

The agency's announcement on Wednesday adds to the growing number of cyclosporiasis cases reported across the U.S. Midwest, including Michigan and four other states.

The Food and Drug Administration said it has initiated a traceback to identify the source of the latest outbreak.