FDA Finds Cyclospora in 2 Mexico Samples Tied to 12,883-Case Lettuce Outbreak
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 2
FDA Finds Cyclospora in 2 Mexico Samples Tied to 12,883-Case Lettuce Outbreak
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Oct 2
Summary
Two environmental samples in Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora, prompting the FDA to close its probe while saying it still cannot determine exactly how Taylor Farms-linked lettuce became contaminated.
The samples came from a wastewater tank at Taylor Farms de Mexico's processing facility and a drainage ditch at an implicated iceberg lettuce grower, giving investigators their strongest physical evidence yet for the outbreak link.
12,883 people in 21 states were sickened, at least 570 were hospitalized and two Michigan deaths were associated with the outbreak, which was traced to shredded iceberg lettuce and triggered a July 17 recall.
Taylor Fresh Foods said the Mexico facility remains closed and the grower tied to the positive ditch sample is no longer a supplier, while the FDA continues genetic comparisons with patient samples.
Nearly 20,000 cyclospora illnesses were reported nationwide this summer, and the FDA said it will pursue added prevention before the 2027 growing season, focusing on agricultural water, wastewater and worker hygiene.