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Diet Culture Fuels Unhealthy Weight Loss Jokes Amid Parasite Outbreak

Diet Culture Fuels Unhealthy Weight Loss Jokes Amid Parasite Outbreak

Diet Culture Fuels Unhealthy Weight Loss Jokes Amid Parasite Outbreak
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FDA Investigates New Cyclospora Outbreak Amid Ongoing Lettuce Recall

FDA Investigates New Cyclospora Outbreak Amid Ongoing Lettuce Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a new outbreak of cyclosporiasis, with 72 cases reported in the Midwest. This outbreak is separate from a larger one linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, which has affected over 1,640 people. The FDA has initiated a traceback investigation to identify the source of the new outbreak. The Cyclospora parasite, which causes intestinal illness, is typically spread through contaminated food or water. The CDC has reported over 4,100 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. since May 1.
AP News AP News
Outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite linked to 4 more states

Outbreak of diarrhea-causing parasite linked to 4 more states

Federal health officials have linked four more states to an outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite
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Taylor Farms Recalls Lettuce in 27 States Amid Cyclospora Concerns

Taylor Farms Recalls Lettuce in 27 States Amid Cyclospora Concerns

Taylor Farms has issued a recall for its lettuce products in 27 states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, due to concerns over Cyclospora contamination. The recall follows a false positive test for Cyclospora on a lettuce shipment at the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite the false positive, the FDA supports the recall based on epidemiological data linking Taylor Farms' lettuce to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. Thousands have been affected, with cases reported in multiple states. The CDC advises consumers to discard affected lettuce and sanitize surfaces. The outbreak has been linked to lettuce supplied to Taco Bell, though it's unclear if cases in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are directly connected to Taylor Farms.
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Investigation Finds No Cyclospora in Mexican Plant Linked to U.S. Outbreak

Investigation Finds No Cyclospora in Mexican Plant Linked to U.S. Outbreak

Mexican health authorities have announced that no Cyclospora parasite was found in a Guanajuato plant linked to a U.S. outbreak of cyclosporiasis. The investigation followed a report by the U.S. FDA tracing the outbreak to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms in Mexico. Despite the FDA's findings, Mexican officials conducted thorough inspections and found no evidence of contamination. The outbreak in the U.S. has affected nearly 2,000 people across nine states, with the lettuce linked to Taco Bell restaurants. Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled the product, and both countries continue to investigate the source of the contamination.
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Former FDA Official Criticizes U.S. Response to Cyclospora Outbreak

Former FDA Official Criticizes U.S. Response to Cyclospora Outbreak

Frank Yiannas, a former top food safety official at the FDA, has criticized the U.S. government's handling of a cyclospora outbreak, describing it as approaching a 'catastrophic level' of mismanagement. The outbreak, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has sickened thousands across the country. Yiannas calls for an independent review of the federal response, citing confusion and lack of leadership as key issues. The FDA's identification and subsequent retraction of lettuce from Taylor Farms as a source of the outbreak has further complicated the situation, highlighting the need for clearer communication and stronger regulatory oversight.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune
2 confirmed Cyclospora cases reported in Sarasota. How to avoid it

2 confirmed Cyclospora cases reported in Sarasota. How to avoid it

Two confirmed cases of the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis have been reported in Sarasota County, with two more in neighboring Manatee County.
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Colorado Produce Unaffected by Nationwide Cyclospora Outbreak, Officials Confirm

Colorado Produce Unaffected by Nationwide Cyclospora Outbreak, Officials Confirm

Colorado's Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the state's produce is not linked to the nationwide cyclospora outbreak. The outbreak, traced to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, has affected thousands across the U.S. However, Colorado-grown produce remains unaffected, and local growers are encouraged to continue operations. The outbreak has been linked to products supplied to Taco Bell, and Taylor Farms has issued a recall. Despite past violations at a Taylor Farms facility in Colorado Springs, current operations are not implicated in the outbreak.
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Cheshire Medical Center Links Cyclospora Outbreak to Salad Bar, CDC Reports 4,200 Cases Nationwide

Cheshire Medical Center Links Cyclospora Outbreak to Salad Bar, CDC Reports 4,200 Cases Nationwide

Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire, has identified 16 cases of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by the parasite cyclospora, linked to its salad bar. Among those affected, 10 are hospital employees. The outbreak is part of a larger national issue, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirming nearly 4,200 cases and over 300 hospitalizations across the United States. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has traced the local cases to a national recall of Taylor Farms lettuce, which was served at the hospital's cafeteria. The parasite is typically ingested through contaminated food or water, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and fever. The outbreak has prompted increased public awareness and reporting of symptoms.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Sarasota hospital sees rise in explosive diarrhea illness concerns

Sarasota hospital sees rise in explosive diarrhea illness concerns

Sarasota hospital sees rise in cyclospora concerns amid explosive diarrhea outbreak.
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FDA Investigates New Cyclospora Outbreak Amid Ongoing Concerns

FDA Investigates New Cyclospora Outbreak Amid Ongoing Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a new outbreak of the cyclospora parasite, which has caused 72 cases of illness linked to an unknown source. This adds to existing outbreaks centered in the Midwest, previously associated with Taylor Farms lettuce. The parasite, which causes diarrhea, is difficult to trace due to its long incubation period. The FDA's investigation is ongoing, with no specific product identified as the source of the latest outbreak.
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Lettuce's Role in Foodborne Illnesses: A Persistent Challenge

Lettuce's Role in Foodborne Illnesses: A Persistent Challenge

Lettuce, particularly iceberg and romaine varieties, has been frequently implicated in foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States. Recent outbreaks include a significant cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, affecting over 7,100 people in Michigan alone. Lettuce's popularity and its consumption in raw form make it a common vector for pathogens like E. coli, norovirus, and cyclospora. The texture of lettuce, with its crevices and folds, allows pathogens to hide and resist washing. Additionally, the use of untreated surface water for irrigation can introduce contaminants, further complicating food safety efforts.