The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the conclusion of a significant cyclosporiasis outbreak that affected 12,833 individuals across 21 states, marking the largest cluster of this foodborne illness in the U.S.
The outbreak, linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, contributed to a total of 19,595 cases of the illness, resulting in two fatalities in Michigan, the outbreak's epicenter. This incident has prompted increased scrutiny of U.S. food safety protocols and the consolidation within the food supply industry, as well as concerns regarding the staffing and funding of the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration. The outbreak negatively impacted sales at restaurants, particularly Taco Bell, which served the affected lettuce, and also led to decreased lettuce sales in grocery stores. The long incubation period of cyclospora complicated tracking efforts, often delaying the identification of the source until the implicated produce had already spoiled.
In response, Taylor Farms recalled the affected iceberg lettuce in July, which included products sold at major retailers like Walmart, and Taco Bell removed the lettuce from its menu during the same timeframe