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Health Officials Identify Taylor Farms Iceberg Lettuce as Primary Source of Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that a large multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection known for causing "explosive" diarrhea, is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms. The outbreak currently spans 15 states, including Michigan and Ohio, which have been hit the hardest. Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico on July 17, following investigations by the Food and Drug Administration. While the lettuce is a primary suspect, health officials note that multiple separate outbreaks may be occurring simultaneously. The FDA is currently tracking six to seven separate clusters of cases, with several sources still unidentified. In Michigan alone, over 12,000 cases have been reported, resulting in 517 hospitalizations and two deaths. Experts warn that the true number of infections may be higher than reported, as many individuals recover without seeking medical attention. Consumers are advised to wash produce thoroughly and cook food to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit to destroy the parasite.

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