FDA Links Parasite Outbreak to Mexico Lettuce Facility, Closes Investigation

The Food and Drug Administration said Friday it has concluded its investigation into a Cyclospora parasite outbreak, saying there was strong evidence linking it to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ Mexico subsidiary.

“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,” the FDA said in a statement.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had already declared the outbreak over on Sept. 11.

Officials traced the contamination back to several farms and one processing facility in Mexico that supplied recalled lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods, also known as Taylor Farms.

Two samples collected during inspections in Mexico tested positive. One came from a tank that held outgoing wastewater from the Taylor Farms’ Mexico processing facility. The other came from a drainage ditch at an iceberg lettuce grower identified in the traceback.

The FDA has already read the genetic code from the two positive samples taken in Mexico. The agency is still comparing the results of both samples with the code of the parasites found in sick patients.

Patient illness reports and supply-chain tracking supported the link between the recalled lettuce and the multistate outbreak, the FDA said.

The parasite sickened 12,883 and caused 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. The last illness onset was Aug. 17, with cases reported across 21 states throughout the outbreak, according to the agency.

After the probe closed, the FDA announced a 10-point plan to prevent similar outbreaks ahead of the 2027 growing season, including more surveillance, more grower outreach, and an outbreak report with prevention recommendations.

Taylor Fresh Foods did not immediately return a request for comment.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine. People get sick by eating food or drinking water contaminated with human feces that contain the parasite, such as in fresh produce.

Symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, low fever, and body aches are less common. The illness can last from a few days to a month or longer and can come and go if left untreated.

Officials recommend washing hands, rinsing produce under running water, and cooking produce to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit. People should also avoid recalled food and follow outbreak notices.