The FDA has uncovered Cyclospora in the location where Taylor Farms de Mexico produced and handled iceberg lettuce, strengthening the connection between a nationwide outbreak and the recalled product.
The FDA says samples from two places tested positive for the parasite. One came from a tank holding outgoing wastewater from a processing facility. The other was taken from a drainage ditch at an iceberg lettuce grower.
“The positive samples show that Cyclospora was present in the environment where lettuce was grown and processed,” the FDA wrote in an update on its website. “While there is currently not enough evidence to conclusively determine how contamination occurred in this outbreak, the positive samples show that Cyclospora was present in the environment where lettuce was grown and processed.”
What the FDA Found
The agency reported that two samples came back positive for Cyclospora during its inspections of Taylor Farms de Mexico’s facilities. The FDA collected the samples on site.
A single positive result came from a tank holding wastewater bound for discharge from a processing plant. The other positive sample was found in a drainage ditch belonging to an iceberg lettuce grower.
Health officials say they are confident that all recalled lettuce tied to this outbreak is off the market, and the FDA says its investigation has concluded.
The Scale of the Outbreak
The CDC says at least 12,883 people fell ill with cyclosporiasis across 21 states following consumption of the recalled lettuce. Thousands more cases were reported, though health officials said they faced challenges in linking those infections directly to the recalled foods.
Two people in Michigan lost their lives, and a total of 570 people were admitted to hospitals.
How the Investigation Began
In mid-July, both the FDA and the CDC said they were looking into a widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis cases tied to shredded iceberg lettuce that was sold at some Taco Bell restaurants across several states.
Taylor Farms supplied the lettuce to Taco Bell, which came from central Mexico.
Taylor Farms de Mexico has pulled back all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, citing a voluntary recall that covers 27 states. The recalled items were shipped out from June 29 through July 16, and their best-if-used-by dates run up to Aug. 3.
The fast-food chain Taco Bell has stopped using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico at all of its locations.
The Timeline of the Recall
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Mid-July | FDA and CDC announce investigation |
| July 16 | Recall begins, best-if-used-by dates up to Aug. 3 |
| Now | FDA announces positive samples |
What This Means
The positive samples back up the epidemiological data and traceback evidence that point toward the recalled lettuce. They confirm the parasite was present in the environment where the lettuce was grown and processed.
The agency’s own account admits investigators have not yet found an explanation for how the contamination happened. The question of how it came to pass is still unresolved.
Health officials report they are confident that all recalled lettuce has been pulled from stores, and the recall appears to be fully carried out.
The samples provide the environmental confirmation.
Source material: “FDA finds potential source of cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce,” ABC News.
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