Week in Review: Outbreak overshadows industry 

As thousands of produce industry members gather at today’s expo at the IFPA Foodservice Conference in Monterey, CA, the Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce casts a shadow on the whole industry. 

FDA’s traceback investigation linked the Cyclospora outbreak to Taco Bell and its supplier Taylor Farms de Mexico.

While FDA first said it found a sample at that facility, it then said it was a false positive. 

Taylor Farms de Mexico remains under investigation for the outbreak, and the company voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce from the facility from the U.S. market. 

The focus of this outbreak is on lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. 

As of July 23, Michigan health officials report 7,664 cases of cyclosporiasis, with 160 hospitalized, but no deaths. 

Already lawsuits have been filed on behalf of those sickened, and some even name Taylor Farms, even though it has not been confirmed as the source. 

The produce industry has responded to the outbreak in several ways, with IFPA calling for the Trump administration and Congress to strengthen FDA’s Human Foods Program, implement end-to-end traceability, promote better risk-based oversight, and secure resources for state produce safety and compliance programs. 

Food safety experts have provided education on Cyclospora, as it is a frustrating parasite to investigate. 

On Monday, July 27, IFPA plans to hold a virtual town hall for members on the latest with the outbreak.  

We will continue to cover the outbreak as more details emerge.