US Officials Declare Record Cyclospora Outbreak Over
US health officials declared a major cyclospora outbreak over on Friday. The FDA and CDC made the announcement.
The outbreak infected 12,883 people across 21 states. It caused 570 hospitalizations and two deaths.
This was the largest multistate cyclospora outbreak on record. Michigan had the most cases and both deaths.
Thousands of other cyclospora cases were not linked to this outbreak. Investigators first focused on lettuce served at Taco Bell.
They later linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico. The recall covered thousands of salad products.
These products were shipped to major restaurant chains including Yum Brands. The FDA said all recalled lettuce was off the market.
FDA inspections and testing in Mexico have ended. Some test results are still pending.
Investigators do not know how sewage contaminated the lettuce. The origin of the outbreak remains unknown.
Key Terms 5
- FDA US Food and Drug Administration, checks food and drug safety.
- CDC US Centers for Disease Control, tracks disease outbreaks.
- cyclospora A tiny parasite that causes stomach illness in people.
- Taylor Farms A company that grows and packages lettuce and salads.
- Yum Brands A company that owns restaurant chains like Taco Bell.