US declares largest multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis over after contaminated lettuce sickens thousands | Today’s news
US health authorities have declared the country’s largest recorded outbreak of cyclosporiasis over after contaminated iceberg lettuce sickened thousands.
Federal investigators linked the outbreak to lettuce from central Mexico supplied by Taylor Farms. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it is continuing to investigate how the parasite entered the food supply.
The outbreak prompted one of the largest food recalls in recent years and renewed concerns about food safety measures for imported products.
Almost 13,000 people fell ill
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12,883 people in 21 states became infected after eating contaminated lettuce.
The outbreak resulted in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. It also accounted for more than half of the 19,595 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis reported in the US since May 1.
At the peak of the outbreak, more than 1,000 infections were reported in a single day before the recall was issued. By August, the CDC said the number of infections had dropped to an average of fewer than two per day.
The FDA continues to investigate
The FDA said it remains confident that all of the recalled iceberg lettuce linked to the outbreak has been recalled.
The CDC also said the best-before dates for all produce linked to the outbreak have passed, meaning the contaminated lettuce should no longer be available in stores or restaurants.
The outbreak also affected consumer confidence, with some people avoiding raw fruits and vegetables and eating out less often, affecting restaurant chains including Taco Bell, Sweetgreen and Chipotle.
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On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled all iceberg lettuce originating in central Mexico.
The FDA also said it has completed on-site inspections and collected samples from lettuce farms and a processing facility in Mexico, pending analysis, and will continue to work with U.S., Mexican and state partners.
Taylor Farms, retailers Walmart, Target, Whole Foods and restaurant chains Taco Bell (Yum Brands), Chipotle Mexican Grill and Sweetgreen did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.
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Michigan, the state hardest hit by the outbreak, has reported more than 14,000 cases and two deaths related to the parasite, according to federal and state health officials. Ohio and Missouri have also seen thousands of infections linked to contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms.
Michigan’s unusually high caseloads were attributed to a large backlog of reports processed in August, highlighting the strain on a system weakened by federal funding cuts under the Trump administration.
Prior to 2026, the largest cyclosporiasis season on record in the US was reported in 2019, with roughly 4,700 cases documented nationwide.
(With inputs from Reuters)
