John Oliver Slams Trump Administration’s Response to Taco Bell Lettuce Outbreak
John Oliver, host of “Last Week Tonight,” criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell’s lettuce, saying the federal response lagged behind the fast-food chain’s own actions. Public-health scholars have linked cuts to CDC staffing and FDA resources under the Trump administration to the slower surveillance and communication during the outbreak, while food-safety experts said the growing consolidation of produce sourcing amplified the spread. U. S.
Rep. Robert Garcia opened a House Oversight Committee probe into a $1 million donation from Taylor Farms CEO Bruce Taylor to a Trump super PAC and its possible influence on the FDA investigation. The FDA is investigating six cyclospora-related outbreaks that have produced more than 11,500 reported cases, and former FDA officials Frank Yiannas and Scott Gottlieb have called for an independent review, noting that Taylor Farms’ request to delay a recall announcement was unusual.
