Transcript: Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," July 26, 2026
Summary
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, discussed a big outbreak of a foodborne illness called cyclospora linked mostly to farms in central Mexico. He said the FDA has done well to find the source but the outbreak is not fully controlled yet, and communication from the FDA to the public could be clearer.Key Facts
- Cyclospora outbreaks are happening in nine U.S. states and linked mainly to central Mexico farms.
- The parasite mainly spreads through human fecal contamination, possibly sewage on crops.
- The FDA quickly isolated the likely source, helping reduce risk by cutting supplies from affected farms.
- There is no good test to detect cyclospora in food.
- Consumers can reduce risk by buying whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-cut bags and buying locally grown produce.
- Mexican health officials deny responsibility for the contamination.
- Many Americans lack confidence in the FDA’s handling of the outbreak, with 47% expressing doubt.
- Taylor Farms, a company involved in the outbreak, contacted the White House to delay a recall announcement, which is unusual.
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