Michigan health officials lift lettuce advisory as cyclosporiasis cases decline
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said the advisory against shredded iceberg lettuce can be dropped as new infections of cyclosporiasis fall and most contaminated produce is likely no longer in circulation.
Michigan health officials announced Thursday that residents can return to their usual consumption of lettuce and salad greens after a slowdown in new cyclosporiasis cases. The outbreak, which has affected nine states, was traced to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from central Mexico and served at some Taco Bell locations. Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled the product, and Taco Bell has stopped using the lettuce in all its restaurants.
The state health department reported more than 12,400 cases since June, including 279 hospitalizations and two deaths, but noted that most exposures occurred in late June or early July and that the majority of the contaminated lettuce is likely no longer available. New cases and related emergency department visits are now decreasing.
"Since the start of this outbreak, MDHHS has remained committed to providing timely, transparent information and clear recommendations to Michigan residents," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive of the department, in a press release. "As new data has emerged, our guidance has evolved to reflect the best available evidence, helping ensure that prevention recommendations are accurate, actionable and responsive to the changing situation."
The department lifted the previous recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes, advising residents to resume normal food-handling practices while continuing standard safety measures such as rinsing produce and washing hands. Consumers are still urged to avoid any recalled items.
Nationally, the CDC reports over 22,000 cyclosporiasis cases across 47 states since May 1, with at least 10,468 laboratory-confirmed infections and ongoing investigations into unrelated outbreaks.