Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared the multistate cyclospora outbreak “under control” Tuesday, saying federal investigators identified the source and implemented recalls — even as the FDA continues searching for laboratory confirmation.
“We do have the outbreak under control,” Kennedy said during a healthcare fraud briefing. “We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics and we have identified the source of the outbreak. We, and the companies that are involved, have implemented a recall.”
Kennedy’s announcement came two days after the FDA walked back an earlier claim that Taylor Farms lettuce tested positive for the parasite.
The agency now says that laboratory result was a false positive following additional review.
“We do have the outbreak under control. We have done extensive forensics, epidemiological forensics and we have identified the source of the outbreak.”
The FDA confirmed it continues investigating and collecting product samples. Traceback investigators identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants linked to the outbreak — but no product samples have produced a confirmed positive result for cyclospora.
Taylor Fresh Foods said the FDA informed the company the initial laboratory finding was incorrect. The company voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17 after investigators linked the product to Taco Bell locations where sick people reported eating.
The recall covered iceberg lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico. Taylor Farms-branded salad products sold at retail were not included.
The outbreak has sickened 1,644 people and hospitalized 94 across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Federal investigators continue working to determine the contaminated food responsible for the illnesses.
Cyclospora infections have historically been linked to fresh produce — including leafy greens, herbs and berries — though officials have not confirmed a contaminated product through laboratory testing in this investigation.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue and nausea. Some patients require hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kennedy also rejected criticism of the administration’s response after a reporter asked whether cuts to the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet, affected the government’s ability to investigate the outbreak.
“We did cuts in the FoodNet program, but they were for redundant surveillance, and all the states will tell you that we’re still doing forensics,” Kennedy said.
He added that surveillance efforts continue nationwide and called criticism of the administration’s response “invalid.”
