FDA reports cyclospora cases linked to recalled iceberg lettuce in three additional states

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that cyclosporiasis cases linked to recalled iceberg lettuce have been confirmed in three new states—Georgia, Tennessee and Texas—bringing the total number of affected states to 20. The agency reported that the outbreak now involves 11,458 confirmed illnesses, up from about 10,900 the previous week, and two deaths in Michigan, where the victims had significant underlying health conditions.

Federal health officials have focused the investigation on lettuce grown at a farm in central Mexico operated by Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier. The FDA noted that its last inspection of the farm occurred seven years ago and that inspectors are currently conducting ongoing testing in cooperation with Mexican authorities. The agency said it remains confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce associated with this outbreak has been removed from the market.

Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes watery diarrhea and frequent bowel movements, typically spreads through fecal contamination. The CDC notes that outbreaks of the parasite are most common in late spring and summer, though many cases are never linked to a specific food source.