Cyclosporiasis cases show ‘vulnerabilities’ in US food safety system, experts say
Summary
An outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness caused by a parasite, has affected over 11,000 people in the US, mostly in Michigan. The outbreak exposed weaknesses in how states and the federal government track and respond to food safety problems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked one source to the outbreak and has recalled lettuce sold by Taylor Farms de Mexico.Key Facts
- Cyclosporiasis is an infection caused by a parasite called cyclospora, which spreads through contaminated food or water.
- Over 11,000 cases were reported, with Michigan having the highest number at more than 7,000 cases.
- The CDC counts the cases but the numbers differ between states and federal reports due to differences in how cases are tracked and reported.
- Testing for cyclosporiasis requires specific tests not usually included in common stool sample checks.
- Reporting cases to the CDC is mandatory in 47 states but voluntary in some others like Pennsylvania.
- FDA found iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico linked to some cases and recalled it from many states.
- Taco Bell stopped using the suspect lettuce after cases were linked to the chain in nine states.
- Cuts to public health funding since 2025 have made it harder for state and federal departments to handle such outbreaks quickly.
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