Former top US food safety official says Trump’s handling of cyclospora is ‘catastrophic’

Frank Yiannas, a former top food safety official at the FDA, has criticized the Trump administration's handling of the cyclospora outbreak as "catastrophic." Yiannas, who served from 2018 to 2023, called for an independent review of the federal government's response to the illness, which has sickened thousands across the US. He cited public confusion, a lack of strong federal leadership, and mixed messages from agencies as contributing factors. The article highlights confusion surrounding the source of the outbreak, including an initial identification of lettuce from Taylor Farms that the FDA later seemed to backtrack on, though the FDA maintains strong evidence connects the company. Yiannas believes the FDA acted too quickly and made a mistake, urging transparency about the cause and future prevention.

Federal health officials are investigating a new outbreak of the diarrhea-causing parasite Cyclospora, with 72 cases reported as of Wednesday. The Food and Drug Administration has not yet identified the specific products linked to these illnesses or the locations of the cases. This investigation is separate from a multistate outbreak previously linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, which was recalled. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite transmitted through contaminated food, often produce irrigated or washed with feces-contaminated water, causing severe intestinal illness. Health authorities are also investigating other clusters of Cyclospora illnesses.

Over 4,100 people in the United States have been infected by the parasitic illness cyclosporiasis, with 308 hospitalizations reported across 41 states. US officials suspect lettuce grown in Mexico is the source of the outbreak, leading to a recall of iceberg lettuce by US firm Taylor Farms. However, Mexico's Health Ministry disputes these findings, stating there is no evidence the outbreak originated in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. The US Food and Drug Administration initially reported a positive test for the parasite in Mexican lettuce but later announced it was a false positive. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include prolonged diarrhea and typically appear a week after consuming contaminated food or water.

Federal health officials are investigating iceberg lettuce from supplier Taylor Farms, potentially linked to Taco Bell, as a source of an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak. This parasitic illness, causing severe diarrhea, has resulted in 1,645 confirmed cases and 145 hospitalizations across the US, with a significant number of cases in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed potentially impacted lettuce from select states and is indefinitely removing it nationwide as a precautionary measure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects the outbreak to continue through August, noting that the actual number of infections is likely higher than reported.

US health officials are investigating a rising outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite causing an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Since May 1, the CDC has confirmed 1,645 cases, with numbers expected to increase. Infection occurs by consuming contaminated food or water, often fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, and berries, which are eaten raw. Symptoms, typically appearing about a week after exposure, include frequent watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and fatigue. While rarely life-threatening, it requires antibiotic treatment. The FDA is tracing potential produce sources, though no specific item has been confirmed. Prevention involves thorough handwashing and rinsing produce, even if pre-washed.

Taco Bell is indefinitely removing lettuce from its menu in some US states as a precautionary measure due to a potential link to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing explosive diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,645 infections in five states linked to Taco Bell exposure. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised against consuming food items with shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. While no deaths have occurred, 94 individuals have been hospitalized. Taco Bell stated they are replacing lettuce from one supplier and emphasized a shared responsibility for public health.

Cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness causing watery diarrhea, have surged across the United States, with Michigan reporting nearly 1,000 cases, significantly exceeding its typical annual count. Ohio has also seen a sharp increase. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 145 cases in 17 states as of June 16th, though this data is likely an undercount. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite *cyclospora*, spread through contaminated produce and water, and typically occurs seasonally between May and August. While rarely life-threatening, symptoms can be severe and include cramps, nausea, and fatigue, lasting for weeks. The source of the current outbreak remains unidentified, but past outbreaks have been linked to contaminated fruits and vegetables. Health officials recommend thoroughly washing produce, removing outer leaves of lettuce, and cooking produce when possible to prevent infection.

A significant outbreak of the parasite *Cyclospora cayetanensis*, causing diarrhea, has affected nearly 1,000 people in Michigan, marking the largest such outbreak in the state's history. Investigations are also underway in 28 other states, with Ohio reporting over 400 cases in its northwestern region. While the source of the infections remains unidentified, Michigan officials reported 992 cases and approximately 40 hospitalizations as of Wednesday. Cyclosporiasis, the illness caused by the parasite, is typically treated with antibiotics and is not usually life-threatening. This outbreak is notable as few U.S. cyclospora outbreaks in the past 20 years have exceeded 1,000 cases. Health officials recommend thorough washing of fresh produce and cooking vegetables to prevent infection.

Multiple US states are experiencing a significant increase in cyclosporiasis cases, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea. Michigan has reported nearly 700 cases, far exceeding its annual average. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified over 400 cases across 18 states and is investigating the clusters with the FDA. Cyclosporiasis is spread through contaminated produce and water, with symptoms typically appearing about a week after exposure. While rarely life-threatening, the illness can cause cramps, nausea, and fatigue. Health officials recommend thoroughly washing produce or cooking it to reduce risk.