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Federal health officials confirm iceberg lettuce is generally safe to eat following a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak

The Food and Drug Administration announced that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to the summer cyclosporiasis outbreak is off the market and no longer available in stores or restaurants. The outbreak, which has affected 20 states, has resulted in 11,458 illnesses and 495 hospitalizations, with two deaths reported in Michigan. The source of the contamination was identified as iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which was linked to illnesses reported by consumers at Taco Bell locations. While the number of new cases continues to be reported, experts note that symptoms of cyclosporiasis can take up to two weeks to appear, and it can take public health officials up to six weeks to link a case to an outbreak. Consequently, the most recent reported cases are likely from exposures that occurred before the recall was announced on July 17. Health officials recommend that consumers continue to practice standard food safety protocols, such as washing hands and rinsing fresh produce. For those seeking lower-risk options, cooked vegetables or fruits that are peeled by the hand are suggested as alternatives to raw produce.

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