Warren demands answers from RFK Jr. on 'calamitous' cyclosporiasis outbreak response
Summary
Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticizing the federal response to a large outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness linked to contaminated lettuce. Warren expressed concerns about mistakes in handling the outbreak and raised questions about possible political influence delaying warnings to the public.Key Facts
- At least 24,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in 47 states, with two deaths and over 740 hospitalizations.
- This outbreak is much larger than the usual 3,000 cases per year.
- The outbreak has been traced mainly to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, linked to about 10,000 cases in 17 states.
- Senator Warren said Taco Bell provided clearer safety guidance than federal agencies like the FDA and CDC.
- Taylor Farms made a $1 million donation in 2025 to a political action committee aligned with President Trump.
- Warren’s letter suggests the White House may have helped Taylor Farms delay public warnings about the tainted lettuce.
- Federal agencies tried to contact Taylor Farms for quick action, but the company missed the FDA’s 24-hour response deadline.
- Taylor Farms says it prioritizes science and consumer health and denies any improper political influence.
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