FDA closes Cyclospora investigation linked to shredded lettuce

Health

Food Poison Journal

Federal agencies closed a large Cyclospora investigation after traceback to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico and two positive environmental water samples in Mexico: one from a wastewater tank at the processing facility and one from a drainage ditch at a grower. The final federal outbreak count is 12,883 confirmed illnesses, 570 hospitalizations and two deaths across 21 states, with last onset August 17. FDA says genotyping of the environmental samples is complete but comparisons with clinical specimens are ongoing, and the agency lacks conclusive evidence about the contamination mechanism while planning prevention actions before the 2027 season.

Two environmental water samples in Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora.