A multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico has ended, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to the final update from the CDC, the total number of cyclosporiasis cases seen in this particular outbreak was 12,883, with 570 hospitalizations, two deaths, and 21 states affected.
“The best-by dates for the recalled lettuce have passed and product should no longer be available in stores or restaurants,” the Food and Drug Administration said.
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Now, the FDA is “quickly turning to its post-response activities focused on mitigating and preventing future outbreaks.”
The agency is continuing to investigate the outbreak, including its root cause, which is still unknown.
In a letter to industry leaders, Donald Prater, the FDA’s acting deputy commissioner of the Human Foods Program, called “the outbreaks a serious public health concern and a reminder of our shared responsibility to U.S. consumers.”
“Our message is straightforward: while there are practices known to reduce cyclospora risk, more work must be done,” Prater said. “We are asking you to build on industry investments in prevention and mitigation efforts and to ensure these best practices are rigorously and consistently implemented throughout this supply chain.”
He urged the leaders, which he said included fresh produce growers, harvesters, packers, processors, distributors, importers and retailers, to apply “established, science-based agricultural water management practices, worker health and hygiene controls, and buildings and equipment sanitation practices” and requirements, as well as a “strong and effective supplier program.”
“We encourage you to review your programs now, assess whether they are functioning as intended, and strengthen them where gaps exist,” Prater said. “FDA also asks that every organization involved in the produce supply chain — from production through point of sale — review regulatory requirements and industry practices, and where practices are lacking, identify opportunities and develop new science-based practices that can minimize the risk of this pathogen.”
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite called cyclospora. This parasite is believed to only infect humans and is transmitted when infected feces contaminate food or water, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA said the parasite is unlikely to be transmitted directly from person to person, as it can take days to weeks after being passed in feces to become infectious.
Those with weakened immune systems, as well as children or the elderly, may experience more severe illness if they get cyclosporiasis, though anyone can get it.
Common symptoms are appetite loss, weight loss, stomach cramps, pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. People experiencing cyclosporiasis may also have body aches, headaches, a low-grade fever, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms. Going untreated may lead to dehydration and more severe complications.
Cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the U.S. have been connected to produce like raspberries, cabbage, basil, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas and leafy greens, the FDA said.
Michigan’s top doctor, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, previously told Straight Arrow that the illness responds well to antibiotics. If one thinks their produce is infected, Bagdasarian said, they should either cook it or get rid of it, as washing will not remove the parasite.
This year’s aggressive spread of cyclosporiasis and other outbreaks are likely a result of cuts made to public health in 2024 and 2025, Bagdasarian said.
Former FDA officials and food safety experts have also said moves by the Trump administration — including funding cuts, changes to disease surveillance and the closure of research facilities — weakened the nation’s food safety infrastructure and could hamper the detection and investigation of foodborne illness outbreaks.
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