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Robert Garcia investigates Taylor Farms for potential influence on federal cyclospora outbreak response

Representative Robert Garcia of California is investigating whether Taylor Farms used its political ties to influence the federal response to a nationwide cyclospora outbreak. The House Oversight Committee ranking member sent a letter to Taylor Farms CEO Bruce Taylor, questioning the company's role in the outbreak and its reported attempt to delay a recall announcement. Garcia noted that Taylor Farms donated millions to President Trump, which may have influenced the company's actions during the investigation. While the administration announced that the FDA is conducting a thorough, evidence-based investigation, former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb noted that it was unusual for a company to request White House intervention during a recall. The cyclospora outbreak has caused confusion, with the FDA initially reporting a positive test result that was later retracted as a false positive. Taylor Farms has since clarified that while the recall remains in effect, they are no longer sourcing iceberg lettuce from central Mexico for the current season. The company maintains that food safety is paramount and has acted quickly to remove implicated products from the market.

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