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Federal officials plan to declare the end of the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in U.S. history

Federal health officials are preparing to declare the end of the summer's cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has been the largest on record in the United States. The outbreak, which spanned 20 states and 49 states and D.C., sickened at least 11,458 people and resulted in two deaths, both in Michigan. The parasite was primarily linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which was also identified as a source of illnesses for those who ate at certain Taco Bell locations. The US Food and Drug Administration and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that the recalled product is largely off the market. The Taylor Farms facility in Doctor Mora, Mexico, remains closed as workers destroy returned lettuce. Experts note that because cyclosporiasis is not transmitted person-to-person, the outbreak will naturally subside once the contaminated product is removed. The administration announced that the FDA eliminated approximately 3,500 jobs in March 2025. This reduction in workforce has led to some concerns regarding the regulatory oversight of food safety, as the agency continues to manage various concurrent food recalls, including salmonella in eggs and E. coli in blueberries.

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