Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declares multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak under control as Taylor Farms recalls lettuce products.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Tuesday that the multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak is "under control." The parasitic intestinal illness has sickened thousands of people across the U.S., with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identifying shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the primary source. The outbreak, which began in May, has prompted Taylor Farms to voluntarily recall dozens of lettuce products across 27 states. While the FDA briefly reported a positive test result for a sample of Taylor Farms lettuce, the agency later clarified that the result was a false positive. Despite the technical error, the administration maintains that the company's produce remains the central focus of the investigation. The response has faced scrutiny from critics who argue that the administration is undermining food safety through recent agency cuts. However, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the strategy, noting that while some funding was reduced, the surveillance programs remain effective in identifying the source of the contamination.

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