HHS chief Kennedy claims cyclospora outbreak 'under control' amid FDA probe

Key Points:

• HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that the multistate cyclospora outbreak is "under control," with investigators identifying the source and implementing recalls, despite ongoing FDA investigations into the precise contamination source.
• The FDA clarified that an earlier positive cyclospora test on Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive, although Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico linked to Taco Bell locations involved in the outbreak.
• The outbreak has sickened 1,644 people and hospitalized 94 across five states, with federal investigators still working to confirm the contaminated food product through laboratory testing.
• Cyclospora, a parasite causing prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, has historically been linked to fresh produce, but no product has yet been confirmed as the source in this investigation.
• Kennedy defended the administration's response to the outbreak, dismissing concerns about cuts to the FoodNet surveillance program and affirming that surveillance and forensic investigations continue nationwide.