The FDA is inspecting Taylor Farms de Mexico in Guanajuato after the plant was linked to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak that prompted a July 17 recall of iceberg lettuce. The CDC has recorded 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases across 47 states between May 1 and Aug. 10, including two deaths. Officials say contaminated agricultural water is a common source and are collecting samples and data; experts urge continued caution, especially for vulnerable people, while investigations continue.
FDA Begins Inspection Of Taylor Farms de Mexico After Cyclospora Outbreak Link
FDA inspects Taylor Farms Mexico plant linked to outbreak
The Food and Drug Administration has begun inspecting Taylor Farms de Mexico in Guanajuato after the plant was linked to a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis that prompted Taylor Farms to pull iceberg lettuce from the U.S. market.
On Aug. 13 the FDA said agents were on site collecting samples and reviewing records at the Central Mexico processing facility. The action follows Taylor Farms’ July 17 decision to remove iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico, announced one day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the FDA and state public-health officials linked a single lettuce supplier used by Taco Bell to the outbreak.
What Is Cyclospora? Cyclosporiasis is caused by the protozoan Cyclospora cayetanensis. It typically produces watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, gas, nausea and fatigue, and can cause prolonged illness or complications in vulnerable people, including older adults, young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Since May, the United States has seen an unusual surge in cases: the CDC reported 13,895 laboratory-confirmed infections across 47 states between May 1 and its Aug. 10 update, including two deaths. The CDC’s counts generally follow confirmations from state health departments.
FDA acting deputy commissioner for food Donald Prater told The Washington Post that contaminated agricultural water is frequently implicated in Cyclospora outbreaks. "We are looking carefully at the available data to be able to understand what could have happened," he said.
Taylor Farms has paused processing and distribution of iceberg lettuce at the Guanajuato plant and engaged outside inspectors. The company has also recalled several products containing jalapeños that have been linked to a separate Salmonella outbreak.
“The FDA remains confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific Cyclospora outbreak is off the market,” the agency said, while noting that federal and state partners will continue their investigation.
Michigan — the state reporting the most cyclosporiasis cases — told residents on Aug. 6 they could resume routine guidance for consuming lettuce and salad greens, though officials emphasized ongoing surveillance. Other experts urge continued caution because not every infection has an identified source.
Dr. Dana G. Mordue, associate professor at New York Medical College, told USA TODAY she would be cautious about broadly declaring produce safe: "In fact, we don't even know for sure what fruits and vegetables are causing the disease," she said, urging extra care for people at higher risk of severe illness.
Food-safety advocates have argued for stronger national coordination. Former FDA deputy commissioner for food policy Frank Yiannas proposed a National Foodborne Outbreak Investigation Board — modeled on the National Transportation Safety Board — to improve coordination, transparency and rapid response. Food-safety lawyer Bill Marler added that such a board could deploy a rapid-response "Go Team" because evidence at production sites degrades quickly.
Federal and state investigators continue to collect samples, trace supply chains and analyze data to determine the outbreak’s causes and scope. Public-health officials recommend staying informed through official updates and exercising caution when consuming fresh produce if you are in a high-risk group.
Reporting contributed by Melina Khan and Mary Walrath-Holdridge. Original reporting by Mike Snider, USA TODAY.
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