IFPA’s recommendations to CDC urge broader approach to Cyclospora investigations

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2026 – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962 has submitted formal comments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommending enhancements to the federal government’s Cyclospora outbreak investigation process, including a more comprehensive consideration of exposure pathways (recreational, occupational, water-related) alongside foodborne exposures.

The recommendations were submitted in response to CDC’s proposed extension of the Cyclosporiasis National Hypothesis Generating Questionnaire (CNHGQ).

The comments reflect IFPA’s longstanding commitment to advancing science-based outbreak investigations that help public health officials identify sources quickly, accurately, and using the strongest available evidence. IFPA’s recommendations come as public health agencies continue to investigate elevated Cyclospora case counts in several states.

“Protecting public health and finding the source of outbreaks as quickly as possible are goals we all share,” said Max Teplitski, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of IFPA. “The best way to achieve that is to ensure investigators systematically consider all likely routes of exposure.”

In their comments, IFPA urged the CDC to consider not only food sources, but also drinking water, as well as other environmental exposures (recreational, and occupational).

This included recommendations to CDC to consider adding structured questions related to drinking water sources, recreational water activities, wastewater-related exposures, septic systems, and other environmental factors that may help investigators better understand how Cyclospora spreads as environmental and climatic conditions change.

The association also encouraged a review of unresolved historical investigations and a consideration of wastewater surveillance as an additional public health tool to understand how Cyclospora circulates through communities.

Throughout the current outbreak response, IFPA has remained actively engaged with federal and state officials, industry leaders, food safety experts, and supply chain partners. The association has provided members with regular updates, technical resources, FAQs, expert briefings, and opportunities for direct engagement with subject matter experts as new information emerges.

“We need to see this outbreak end and its root cause(s) identified. Looking to the future, we need to expand our thinking about this parasite and seriously consider other routes of exposure that are likely, but have been traditionally less common in the US,” said Max Teplitski. “We will continue advocating for investigations that are guided by data, informed by science so we can prevent future outbreaks and maintain consumer and industry trust in public health systems.”

IFPA welcomes continued dialogue with CDC and other public health partners as the agency reviews comments and considers future improvements to its outbreak investigation framework.

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our members’ prosperity by conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to the largest international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

Contact: Ashley Sempowski, media@freshproduce.com, (202) 303-3406