Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the Cyclospora outbreak is "under control" after the FDA retracted a 27-state shredded lettuce recall it later called a "false positive." The CDC reported more than 1,600 confirmed cases with about 5,100 pending, while Michigan reported over 6,571 cases — a discrepancy experts attribute to differing reporting methods. Officials and journalists have pointed to cuts in surveillance, laboratory staffing and emergency grants as factors that may have complicated the response. Investigations continue; Cyclospora typically causes summer outbreaks and can take days to weeks for symptoms to appear.
RFK Jr. Says Cyclospora Outbreak 'Under Control' After FDA Retracts Lettuce Recall
Robert F Kennedy Jr: 'There are cyclospora outbreaks every summer.'Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental attorney and public figure, said the ongoing outbreak of cyclosporiasis — the intestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite — is "under control" following an FDA reversal of a large lettuce recall.
The comments came one day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) retracted a recall that had covered shredded iceberg lettuce sold across 27 states, saying its initial test produced a "false positive." Kennedy made the remarks at a press briefing on health-care fraud.
"We have the outbreak under control. We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics, and we've identified the source of the outbreak. And the companies that are involved have all implemented a recall," Kennedy said.
Outbreak Numbers and Discrepancies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported more than 1,600 confirmed cases and about 5,100 pending cases nationally in the most recent update. Several states, however, have reported higher totals: Michigan reported more than 6,571 cases as of Tuesday. Public-health officials note that differences in reporting methods and case classifications (confirmed vs. probable or pending) can produce such discrepancies.
Response and Criticism
Public-health experts have criticized the pace and coordination of the federal response, pointing to reduced surveillance capacity and staffing as factors that can slow outbreak detection and investigation. Reported changes in recent years include narrowed FoodNet surveillance (from eight pathogens to two), reductions in pandemic-era grant funding to some state and local health departments, and cuts to laboratory staffing — details that have been highlighted in reporting by outlets such as CNN and in public health records.
FDA Recall And Retest
Late last week the FDA initiated a recall of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The recall expanded to shredded lettuce sold in 27 states — including retail outlets such as Walmart — before FDA scientists re-tested product samples. By Sunday, the agency informed Taylor Farms, a large supplier, that the earlier positive result was a "false positive." Authorities continue to investigate and monitor potential product links while state and federal agencies follow up on reported cases.
What Is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic protozoan parasite that thrives in warm conditions. It typically causes watery, sometimes severe diarrhea and is transmitted when people ingest food or water contaminated with feces. Symptoms usually appear between two days and two weeks after exposure. The parasite often causes seasonal increases in cases during the summer months, and CDC officials warned the outbreak could continue through August because of Cyclospora's relatively long incubation period.
Speaking on The Ryan Gorman Show, Kennedy added: "There are Cyclospora outbreaks every summer. Now that we know the probable culprit, I think it's going to be much easier for people to make healthy choices." Investigations and public-health messaging are likely to continue as officials seek to confirm sources and advise consumers.
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