The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed Monday that iceberg lettuce processed by Taylor Farms de Mexico remains the primary focus of a five-state cyclospora outbreak investigation. The clarification follows a weekend report of a "false positive" test result on a separate batch of lettuce, which caused public confusion regarding the status of a previous voluntary recall. Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas stated that epidemiological data and traceback investigations still link the company's shredded lettuce to illnesses reported by Taco Bell customers.
Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall for iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico earlier this month. The company stated on Sunday that the FDA had apologized for the false positive test result, though an FDA official later disputed that characterization, saying the agency only provided factual updates. While the FDA currently has no confirmed positive laboratory samples of the parasite, officials noted that traceback evidence remains the standard for determining the source of such outbreaks.
Cyclosporiasis is a gastrointestinal illness caused by a parasite often found on fresh produce. Health officials noted that the parasite is difficult to detect because it lacks the whole-genome sequencing capabilities available for bacteria like E. coli. The CDC reports that while dozens have been hospitalized in the current outbreak, no deaths have been recorded. The FDA continues to advise consumers not to eat the recalled products, which were sold at certain Walmart stores and served at Taco Bell locations.