Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Taylor Farms’ Iceberg Lettuce Samples Come Positive for Cyclospora; Recall Likely to Widen

Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Taylor Farms recently initiated a recall for its iceberg lettuce after rumours started linking it to the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak. Now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that the lettuce samples have tested positive. 

Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: FDA’s Statement 

This morning, the US government’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that samples of the iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms have tested positive for Cyclospora. The agency also shared that the sample ​was collected during ​targeted surveillance ⁠while investigating the ongoing outbreak and that the positive lot has been detained.

The FDA also addressed the recently initiated recall from Taylor Farms. “At this time, Taylor Fresh Foods has not publicly provided distribution information or a list of customers who received the product that was voluntarily removed from the market”, the statement read. 

Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News:  Taylor Farms’ Iceberg Lettuce Recall Likely to Widen 

Taylor Farms issued a sweeping, voluntary recall of its iceberg lettuce across 27 U.S. states after the greens were linked to a massive outbreak of the parasitic stomach bug. And after the FDA’s findings, the recall for iceberg lettuce will most likely ramp up in intensity. 

In a written statement, the California based supplier shared that it is ‘actively removing’ all lettuce samples that have been contaminated with the parasite. “Consumers who have purchased the recalled iceberg lettuce should discard it immediately and not consume it,”, the statement read.  

Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Affected Areas

The ongoing Cyclospora outbreak has affected the following American states:  

• Alabama 

• Arkansas 

• Connecticut 

• Florida 

• Georgia 

• Iowa

• Illinois 

• Indiana 

• Kansas 

• Kentucky 

• Louisiana 

• Massachusetts

• Maryland 

• Michigan 

• Missouri

• Mississippi 

• North Carolina 

• New Hampshire 

• New Jersey 

• Ohio 

• Oklahoma 

• Pennsylvania 

• South Carolina 

• Tennessee 

• Texas 

• Virginia 

• Wisconsin 

However, more states may be added to this list as more cases of the Cyclospora outbreak emerge. 

What is Cyclospora? 

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The disease spreads through indirect human to human transmission. And its symptoms commonly start to show a week after getting infected.

Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Symptoms & Treatment 

The common symptoms of Cyclospora include

• Watery Diarrhea (The most common symptom often frequent and severe). 

• Stomach Cramps that include Sharp pain, bloating, and increased gas 

• Loss of Appetite 

• Severe Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and muscle aches.

• Rapid weight loss.

• Nausea & Vomiting due to an upset stomach

• Low grade fever.

Cyclospora Outbreak Latest News: Precautions to Follow 

Amidst the ongoing outbreak, the CDC has urged people to follow these precautions: 

• Do not eat pre-cut or pre-shredded bagged lettuce or salad kits. Instead, opt for whole and uncut lettuce heads.

• Strip off and throw away the outer 2 to 3 layers of leaves. 

• Rub the leaves thoroughly with your hands under fast-running tap water.

• Exercise extra caution with raw cilantro, basil, raspberries, and blackberries, as they are considered to be high risk foods.