FDA says Taylor Farms lettuce sample tested for cyclospora produced false positive for the parasite

Key Points:

• A sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, linked to a multi-state cyclospora outbreak, produced a false positive test for the parasite, according to the FDA's re-review.
• Despite the false positive, Taylor Farms' voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico remains in effect, with the company cooperating to remove implicated products from the market.
• The FDA initially reported a positive test that was later determined to be erroneous due to false amplification, a known challenge in detecting cyclospora, which is difficult to grow and test in labs.
• Nearly 7,000 cyclosporiasis cases have been confirmed or investigated in the U.S. since May, leading Taco Bell to stop using lettuce from Taylor Farms and prompting consumer warnings against eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico at certain Taco Bell locations.
• Food safety experts praised the recall decision and FDA's transparency about the false positive, emphasizing the complexity of cyclospora testing and the need for detailed data when announcing test results to avoid consumer confusion.