What happened
A recent investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified the source of a cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce. The outbreak, which occurred across the U.S., resulted in nearly 13,000 cases of illness, including diarrhea and other related health issues.
The FDA found cyclospora at a Mexican farm, which is believed to be the source of the contamination. The farm, located in Guanajuato, Mexico, was linked to a Taylor Farms lettuce outbreak. Despite the finding, it remains unclear how the parasite got into the lettuce at Taylor Farms' facility.
The FDA inspectors detected cyclospora in two places: a wastewater tank and a drainage ditch used for lettuce cultivation. The agency has now closed its investigation into the outbreak, which was declared over last month by U.S. officials.
Taylor Farms has attributed the contamination to an independent grower who is no longer part of their supplier program. The company's facility in central Mexico remains closed as they work to implement enhanced safety protocols.
