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The FDA has closed its investigation into a major summer parasite outbreak, tracing the source to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. Cyclospora was detected in the facility's wastewater tank and a nearby drainage ditch. The outbreak sickened nearly 20,000 people and killed two before the CDC declared it over in September.
The FDA has officially wrapped up its investigation into one of the largest foodborne parasite outbreaks in recent US history, linking the illnesses to recalled shredded iceberg lettuce processed at Taylor Farms de Mexico's facility in Guanajuato, Mexico. While investigators couldn't pinpoint exactly how the contamination occurred, the cyclospora parasite was detected in two key environmental samples — one from a wastewater tank at the processing facility and another from a drainage ditch at a nearby iceberg lettuce farm.
Patient illness data and supply-chain tracking strongly supported the connection between the recalled lettuce and the multistate outbreak. Genetic analysis of the positive environmental samples is complete, and the FDA is still comparing those results with samples collected from patients.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: This outbreak highlights the vulnerability of the US food supply to cross-border contamination. In response, the FDA unveiled a 10-point prevention plan — including enhanced produce monitoring and expanded grower outreach — aimed at preventing a repeat before the 2027 growing season.
