Frank Yiannas calls for an independent review of the administration's management of the nationwide cyclospora outbreak.
Frank Yiannas, a former deputy commissioner for food policy at the Food and Drug Administration, has called for an independent review of the federal government's response to a widespread cyclospora outbreak. The parasite, which causes explosive diarrhea, has sickened more than 4,000 people across the United States. Yiannas criticized the administration for "catastrophic" mismanagement, citing a lack of strong federal leadership and inconsistent messaging from agencies. The response was complicated by a premature identification of Taylor Farms as the primary source, which the Food and Drug Administration later had to clarify. While the company voluntarily recalled its iceberg lettuce, the federal regulator continues to investigate the outbreak, which has affected five states. The International Fresh Produce Association has urged the administration and Congress to strengthen the Human Foods Program and improve traceability. Yiannas suggested that congressional oversight or an independent inspector should evaluate the government's actions to prevent future errors in food safety oversight.