The Food and Drug Administration has linked a major cyclosporiasis outbreak to iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico.
The Food and Drug Administration has identified iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico as the primary source of a significant cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting nine states. The microscopic parasite causes a gastrointestinal illness characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, bloating, and explosive diarrhea. If all reported cases are linked to the same source, the outbreak will be one of the largest foodborne illnesses in the United States in three decades. While the primary outbreak involves lettuce, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported a separate cluster of 561 cases linked to parsley and cilantro. In response to the lettuce contamination, Taylor Farms issued a recall of shredded lettuce across 27 states. School districts are proactively adjusting menus to ensure student safety. Montgomery County School District Nutrition Director Sandy Jones noted that her district uses primarily American-sourced produce, while Rowan County Assistant Food Service Director Jessica Kiser removed lettuce and tomatoes from the menu for the upcoming school year.