FDA Still Investigating Taylor Farms Lettuce for Cyclospora Outbreak

The FDA said Monday it still thinks Taylor Farms lettuce is likely behind a Cyclospora outbreak, even after pulling back earlier test results linking the produce to the parasite. At least 1,644 people have fallen ill, though officials believe the true number is likely much higher. Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico in connection with the outbreak.

Laboratory results are only one piece of foodborne outbreak investigations, which also rely on tracing illnesses and food shipments. The sample that was initially flagged as positive over the weekend — before the FDA walked back that determination — was not part of the current recall, according to acting Deputy Commissioner for Food Donald Prater.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still advising people to avoid recalled products — including at Taco Bell, which says it has removed the affected lettuce from its restaurants. FDA officials have stressed that it's challenging to track Cyclospora in food, noting restrictions like the short shelf-life of fresh produce and the lengthy incubation period before symptoms show up.