The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported Thursday that a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to recalled iceberg lettuce may have reached nine additional jurisdictions. The agency expanded the list of potentially affected areas to include California, Delaware, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The lettuce was traced to a Taylor Farms facility located in central Mexico.
The FDA previously identified nearly three dozen states where the products were distributed to restaurants and retail stores between late June and July. According to the agency, 10,930 illnesses across 17 states are now directly associated with this specific multistate outbreak. Health officials noted that while the affected products should no longer be for sale because their best-by dates have passed, other smaller outbreaks of the parasitic infection with unknown origins are also being monitored.
Nationwide, more than 27,000 confirmed and probable cases have been reported across 47 states since May 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These figures include 15,716 laboratory-confirmed cases and 11,841 cases currently under investigation. Michigan has reported the highest impact, with 14,277 cases, 335 hospitalizations, and two deaths. The fast-food chain Taco Bell confirmed it removed the lettuce from its restaurants after some customers in Michigan were sickened.
A person infected with the cyclospora parasite would notice symptoms including nausea, vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea, typically appearing about two weeks after exposure. Because of this two-week delay, an individual may not realize they are sick until long after the contaminated food has been consumed or discarded, which complicates efforts by health officials to trace the source of the infection. While the FDA states that recalled products are now past their best-by dates, individuals who consumed lettuce in the identified regions during the June-to-July window may still be experiencing or recovering from these symptoms.
The detection of the parasite in Taylor Farms lettuce imported from Mexico has prompted coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and local officials to identify further sources of exposure. This event follows a history of similar outbreaks linked to produce like cilantro, basil, and raspberries, and sets a precedent for increased scrutiny of water treatment and handling processes for imported leafy greens. Currently, health officials advise that while washing produce can limit exposure, only cooking food to 158 degrees Fahrenheit eliminates the parasite. The FDA and CDC continue to monitor case counts as investigations into smaller, unrelated outbreaks proceed.