The FDA reported that inspectors found the parasite Cyclospora at a farm in Guanajuato, Mexico that has been linked to the largest multistate U.S. outbreak of cyclosporiasis. Samples collected more than six weeks after investigators visited the site tested positive in a wastewater tank and a drainage ditch used for lettuce. Taylor Farms says the contamination was traced to an independent grower no longer in its supplier program; the company’s Mexican facility remains closed while safety measures are strengthened.
FDA Detects Cyclospora at Mexican Farm Linked to Record U.S. Lettuce Outbreak
FILE - Lettuce seen on a farm. (Getty Images)
The Food and Drug Administration announced that inspectors detected the parasite Cyclospora at a farm in Guanajuato, Mexico, a location epidemiologists have tied to the largest recorded U.S. outbreak of cyclosporiasis.
What Investigators Found
FDA investigators visited the site more than six weeks ago and reported environmental samples that tested positive for Cyclospora in two on‑site locations: a wastewater tank and a drainage ditch used in lettuce cultivation. The agency says these findings provide strong epidemiological evidence linking the farm to the multistate outbreak.
What Remains Unclear
Authorities have not determined precisely how or when the lettuce became contaminated. Environmental detection of the parasite helps establish a connection, but investigators continue to examine supply chains, growing practices and water sources to identify the contamination route.
Company Response
Taylor Farms said the contamination the FDA cited was traced to an independent grower "who is no longer part of our supplier program." The company added: "Our facility remains closed in central Mexico as we work with our research team to implement enhanced safety protocols from the field to the facility."
Outbreak Overview
Federal health officials attributed nearly 13,000 reported cases of cyclosporiasis to this multistate outbreak — far surpassing the previous U.S. high of about 4,700 reported in 2019. U.S. officials have declared the outbreak over, and the FDA stated it is confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce linked to this incident has been removed from store shelves.
About Cyclospora
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that commonly causes prolonged, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreaks most often occur in late spring and summer. Cyclosporiasis is less common than many bacterial foodborne illnesses, and many individual cases are never definitively traced to a single food source.
Reporting for this article drew on information from The Associated Press and earlier coverage by LiveNOW from FOX. This story was reported from San Jose.
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