Confusion swirls on source of diarrhea outbreak, but it’s still Taylor Farms

Federal officials maintain that Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, sourced from Central Mexico, is the likely origin of a multi-state Cyclospora outbreak, despite a brief period of confusion caused by a false positive test result from the FDA. Taylor Farms issued a recall for iceberg lettuce distributed between June 29 and July 16, but the recall notice has been criticized as vague, failing to list specific distributors and retailers. The situation is further complicated by a delayed FDA rule that would have improved food traceability.

• Federal officials reaffirmed that Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce is still considered the source of the Cyclospora outbreak.
• A false positive test result by the FDA initially caused confusion, which Taylor Farms publicly highlighted.
• The FDA stated the false positive test did not change the basis of their investigation or the voluntary recall by Taylor Farms.
• Taylor Farms issued a recall for iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico between June 29 and July 16.
• The recall notice has been described as vague, lacking specific distribution information or a list of affected customers.
• Other retailers and distributors, including Walmart, Sysco, US Foods, and Jack in the Box, have removed or are removing Taylor Farms lettuce.
• At least 34 states have reported cyclosporiasis cases, with Michigan alone reporting over 6,500 cases.
• A delayed FDA Food Traceability Rule, intended to improve record-keeping for leafy greens, is mentioned as a factor hindering rapid identification of contaminated food.
• Speculation arose linking Taylor Farms’ parent company’s donation to a Trump-backing super PAC with the delay of the traceability rule, which the Department of Health and Human Services denied.
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