US Health Authorities Track Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Linked to Mexican Iceberg Lettuce

A major outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness, has affected the United States with more than 22,000 confirmed and suspected cases since May. The US Food and Drug Administration linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce imported from central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms, including products served at Taco Bell restaurants. The illness has resulted in two deaths in Michigan and 517 hospitalizations. Symptoms include vomiting and watery diarrhea.

In response to the contamination, Taylor Farms recalled shredded iceberg lettuce and salad mixes with best if used by dates through August 3. Health officials in Michigan, which reported over 12,000 cases, stated on August 6 that residents may resume eating bagged salad mixes as new reports of the illness are declining. Experts note that the risk has lowered because most of the contaminated produce is no longer on the market. However, officials are investigating two additional clusters of cyclosporiasis and a separate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños, which has infected at least 345 people across 27 states.

Food safety experts highlight the risks associated with raw produce. One microbiologist noted that the moist environment of bagged salads can allow pathogens to grow more than 1,000 times better than in other conditions. Because the cyclospora parasite is resistant to common food sanitizers, health departments previously advised consumers to purchase whole heads of lettuce and wash them thoroughly. While the US outbreak is slowing, reports indicate a separate rise in shiga toxin producing E coli cases in the UK linked to contaminated lettuce in prepacked sandwiches.