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FDA Faces Mixed Confidence Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Affecting Produce Consumption

FDA Faces Mixed Confidence Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Affecting Produce Consumption

A cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms' facility in central Mexico has led to significant changes in consumer behavior, according to a CBS News poll. The outbreak has prompted Taylor Farms to suspend production at the affected facility and engage independent experts to review food safety protocols. Despite these measures, the company asserts that none of its products have tested positive for Cyclospora. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are actively investigating the outbreak. The CBS News poll reveals that four in ten Americans are now buying or eating less produce due to the outbreak, with women and older individuals more likely to alter their consumption habits. The poll also highlights a partisan divide in confidence towards the FDA's handling of the situation, with Republicans expressing more confidence than Democrats.
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Cyclospora Outbreak Raises Health Concerns Across the U.S.

Cyclospora Outbreak Raises Health Concerns Across the U.S.

A cyclospora outbreak, linked to iceberg lettuce, has spread across nine states, leading to nearly 2,000 confirmed cases. Dubbed 'lettuce-gate,' the outbreak has prompted a recall of potentially contaminated products from Taylor Farms, a supplier based in central Mexico. Despite efforts to control the situation, health officials remain concerned about the spread of the parasite, which causes gastrointestinal illness. The outbreak has led to hospitalizations but no reported deaths. The FDA and CDC are investigating the source, and Taylor Farms has suspended production of iceberg lettuce from the affected region.
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Cyclospora Outbreak Alters American Produce Shopping Habits

Cyclospora Outbreak Alters American Produce Shopping Habits

A Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce is causing significant changes in consumer behavior across the United States. A CBS News/YouGov survey indicates that 40% of Americans are reducing their fresh produce purchases due to safety concerns. The outbreak, traced to Taylor Farms' lettuce, has resulted in nearly 2,000 illnesses across nine states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the outbreak and advising consumers to avoid recalled products. The situation has led to increased public scrutiny of food safety practices and regulatory responses.
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FDA Retracts Cyclospora Test on Recalled Lettuce Amid Consumer Reports Criticism

FDA Retracts Cyclospora Test on Recalled Lettuce Amid Consumer Reports Criticism

The FDA has retracted its positive Cyclospora test on recalled lettuce, initially linked to a significant U.S. outbreak. The retraction follows a re-evaluation that deemed the test a false positive. Despite this, the recall remains in place due to epidemiological evidence connecting the lettuce to the outbreak. Consumer Reports criticized the recall notice for using internal abbreviations instead of full brand names, making it difficult for consumers to identify affected products. The recall involves products from Taylor Farms, including those sold under Walmart's Marketside brand. The outbreak has resulted in nearly 2,000 confirmed cases across nine states, with the CDC investigating additional cases.
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Michigan reports 9,253 cyclosporiasis cases as infection outbreak expands

Michigan reports 9,253 cyclosporiasis cases as infection outbreak expands

By Siddhi Mahatole July 27 (Reuters) - Michigan health officials reported 9,253 cases of cyclosporiasis on Monday, an increase of 1,077 cases since their last update on Friday, as the intestinal infection outbreak grows.
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Taylor Farms Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce

Taylor Farms Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Amid Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce

Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier, is facing a class-action lawsuit following a cyclospora outbreak linked to its iceberg lettuce. The outbreak, which has spread across multiple states, has been traced back to lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the outbreak, which has resulted in numerous cases of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. The lawsuit, filed by two individuals, claims that Taylor Farms and Taco Bell sold contaminated products, leading to the outbreak. In response, Taylor Farms has voluntarily suspended production of all products from its central Mexico facility and is conducting a comprehensive review of its food safety protocols.
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FDA Criticized for Handling of Cyclospora Outbreak Amid Rising Cases

FDA Criticized for Handling of Cyclospora Outbreak Amid Rising Cases

A former FDA official, Frank Yiannas, has raised concerns about the federal response to a cyclospora outbreak in the U.S., describing it as nearing a 'catastrophic level.' Yiannas, who served as the FDA's deputy commissioner for food policy and response, criticized the coordination and communication efforts of the federal agencies involved. The outbreak, linked to Taylor Farms' iceberg lettuce, has resulted in at least 1,947 confirmed cases across multiple states. Yiannas called for an independent review of the government's handling of the crisis, highlighting issues such as consumer confusion and inadequate federal response. The outbreak has prompted Taylor Farms to recall products and suspend production at its central Mexico facility.
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Former FDA Food Safety Chief Advises Against Bagged Salads Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Former FDA Food Safety Chief Advises Against Bagged Salads Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

A former FDA food safety chief, Susan Mayne, has advised consumers to avoid bagged salads due to a surge in cyclospora infections across the U.S. The outbreak, linked to the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has resulted in 4,173 confirmed cases and 7,400 unconfirmed reports since May. The parasite, often found in fresh produce, causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The outbreak is one of the largest recorded in the U.S., with a cluster of illnesses previously linked to Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce. Despite no confirmed positive tests for Cyclospora in Taylor Farms products, the company has recalled potentially affected products and suspended production in central Mexico.
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Cyclospora Outbreak Affects Produce Consumption Across the U.S.

Cyclospora Outbreak Affects Produce Consumption Across the U.S.

A significant cyclospora outbreak has led to over 11,500 confirmed and probable cases of diarrheal illness across 41 states, with more than 300 hospitalizations. The outbreak is linked to contaminated produce, including iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sold at Taco Bell and other outlets. The FDA and CDC are investigating the outbreaks, which have caused a decline in produce consumption as consumers become wary of potential contamination.
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Former FDA Official Warns Against Bagged Salads Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Former FDA Official Warns Against Bagged Salads Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

A former FDA food safety chief has advised consumers to avoid bagged salads due to a surge in cyclospora infections across the U.S. Susan Mayne, a former director at the FDA, highlighted the risk of contamination in prepackaged leafy greens. The ongoing investigation into the outbreak, which has affected multiple states, is focused on identifying the source of the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The outbreak has been linked to fresh produce, including leafy greens, herbs, and berries, causing gastrointestinal illness characterized by severe diarrhea and cramping.
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Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Sickens Thousands in the U.S.

Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Sickens Thousands in the U.S.

A Cyclospora outbreak linked to chopped iceberg lettuce has sickened thousands in the United States, marking a record year for Cyclospora infections. The outbreak has been traced to lettuce grown in Mexico and supplied to Taco Bell locations in five states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration identified the source after an epidemiological investigation. Taco Bell has ceased using lettuce from the implicated supplier, and Taylor Farms has removed all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The outbreak has resulted in 1,644 confirmed cases linked to Taco Bell, with 94 hospitalizations and no deaths reported. The broader wave of infections has seen over 6,700 cases nationwide.
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CDC Reports Largest U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak, Highlighting Food Traceability Challenges

CDC Reports Largest U.S. Cyclospora Outbreak, Highlighting Food Traceability Challenges

The United States is currently facing its largest recorded outbreak of cyclosporiasis, with 1,947 confirmed cases across nine states. The outbreak, which began on June 22, has been linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have identified the lettuce as the vehicle for the outbreak. Taylor Farms de Mexico has voluntarily recalled the affected lettuce from the U.S. market. The outbreak has prompted a focus on food traceability, as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Section 204, which mandates lot-level traceability, has had its enforcement delayed until 2028. The outbreak has spread to states including Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania, with the majority of cases reported in Michigan.