US Health Secretary Declares Cyclospora Outbreak Under Control After FDA Recall Reversal

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told reporters that the ongoing cyclospora outbreak is "under control" after the Food and Drug Administration withdrew a recall of shredded iceberg lettuce in 27 states. Kennedy said extensive epidemiological forensics had identified the source and that the companies involved had implemented a recall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 1,600 confirmed cases and 5,100 pending cases nationwide, with Michigan alone reporting over 6,500 cases. The outbreak, the largest documented in the United States, has affected 34 states, particularly in the Midwest.

"We have the outbreak under control," Kennedy said at a press briefing on healthcare fraud.

The FDA initially recalled shredded lettuce served at several fast-food locations and later expanded the recall to retail outlets before lab testing indicated a false positive result, prompting the agency to inform producer Taylor Farms of the error.

Public health officials note that cyclospora, a protozoan parasite transmitted through contaminated water or food, typically peaks in summer and has an incubation period of two days to two weeks, meaning cases may continue to rise even after the source is identified.