Max Teplitski of the International Fresh Produce Association calls for stronger federal food safety infrastructure following a multi-state Cyclospora outbreak.

Max Teplitski, chief science officer at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), is urging the administration and Congress to strengthen the FDA’s Human Foods Program to address a growing Cyclospora outbreak. The intestinal illness, caused by a parasite, has affected thousands of consumers across several states. The outbreak was linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which was served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. While the CDC and FDA reported 1,644 laboratory-confirmed cases in that specific cluster, Michigan alone has reported over 7,000 cases during its investigation. Taylor Farms de Mexico has voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from its central Mexico facility. To prevent future incidents, the IFPA is advocating for end-to-end traceability and risk-based oversight. The association aims to secure more resources for state produce safety programs and reduce delays in implementing the FDA Food Traceability Rule. The IFPA plans to host a virtual town hall on July 27 to provide further updates to industry members.

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