US declares end to lettuce parasite outbreak that killed 2

US health authorities have declared the nation's largest recorded cyclosporiasis outbreak over. The outbreak, linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce sourced by Taylor Farms from central Mexico, sickened thousands and led to a major food recall. While the outbreak is officially ended, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to investigate how the parasite entered the food supply. This incident has renewed scrutiny of food-safety controls for imported produce and impacted consumer confidence, with some individuals avoiding raw produce and dining out.

US federal health officials have declared the nation's largest recorded multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis over. The outbreak, which occurred between May 1 and September 8, was linked to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico. This contamination led to 12,883 infections across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the risk from this specific source has ended as the affected products' best-by dates have passed. Despite the outbreak's conclusion, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues its investigation into Taylor Farms de Mexico and other cyclospora clusters, urging the industry to strengthen food safety practices.

US health authorities have declared the nation's largest recorded cyclosporiasis outbreak over, which was linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 12,883 cases across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. The outbreak was traced to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which issued a recall on July 17. Health officials are confident that all recalled lettuce has been removed from the market. This outbreak contributed to an unprecedented rise in cyclosporiasis cases nationwide this year, with nearly 20,000 laboratory-confirmed cases reported since May 1.

Lettuce prices in the US have significantly decreased this summer and into August, a trend attributed to a cyclospora outbreak. This outbreak, linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, led to over 19,500 cases nationwide and caused a sharp decline in consumer demand for all types of greens. Food chains experienced reduced foot traffic and sales, with some, like Chipotle and Taco Bell, reporting dips in revenue. While other goods, including energy and imported items, remain subject to high inflation due to factors like the war in Iran and trade tariffs, the lettuce industry's price drop is a notable exception. This decline has brought lettuce prices back to levels seen approximately a year ago.