FDA says recalled iceberg lettuce is off market as cyclosporiasis outbreak wanes
Federal officials say the recalled iceberg lettuce linked to a Cyclospora outbreak has been removed from stores, and the risk to consumers is now low, though the investigation continues.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that all iceberg lettuce associated with the recent cyclosporiasis outbreak has been recalled and is no longer available in stores or restaurants. The agency said it remains confident that the recalled product is off the market, allowing consumers to eat iceberg lettuce that is not part of the recall.
"In terms of the risk to consumers now, if today for dinner you wanted to go out and eat a salad, you’re pretty safe from cyclospora at this point, as far as we know," said Matthew Moore, associate professor of food science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
"Assuming you do not come across any food with a known recall, yes, it is OK to eat such types of produce," said Dr. Jennifer Layden, associate dean for practice at Washington University in St. Louis.
"I am comfortable with people eating iceberg lettuce that is currently being sold. I would distinguish between the specific recalled product and iceberg lettuce as a category," said Dr. Colleen Kraft, professor of infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine.
The recall began after investigators linked shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sourced in central Mexico, to illnesses reported by diners at several Taco Bell locations. Taylor Farms removed the product from the U.S. market on July 17 and recalled specific salad packs and shredded lettuce with best-if-used-by dates between July 18 and August 3.
The outbreak has affected 11,458 people in 20 states, resulting in 495 hospitalizations and two deaths, according to the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Most cases occurred before the July 17 recall, and recent reports reflect illnesses that began weeks earlier, not new infections.
Health experts advise continuing standard food-safety practices, such as washing hands and produce, avoiding cross-contamination, and discarding expired items. For those seeking lower-risk options, cooked, frozen, or canned vegetables and peeled fruits are recommended.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials will declare the outbreak over once no new cases are linked to the recalled lettuce for several weeks. Both Moore and Layden noted that case numbers are declining and expect the outbreak to be declared over in the near future.