‘Not standard’ for Taylor Farms to ask White House to delay cyclospora recall, ex-FDA head says

Key Points:

• Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb stated that it is unusual and not standard procedure for a company like Taylor Farms to ask the White House to intervene in delaying a recall announcement linked to a cyclospora outbreak.
• Taylor Farms reportedly contacted the White House seeking more time before the government publicly linked the company to the outbreak, arguing federal investigators lacked positive lab evidence and expressing concerns about overstating the company's responsibility.
• The recall process has been confusing, with initial voluntary recalls by Taylor Farms de Mexico, conflicting FDA statements about positive cyclospora tests, and mixed messaging regarding the recall's status.
• Taylor Farms claimed the FDA apologized to them and stated no positive product test results for cyclospora had been identified, but later confirmed the recall was still in effect and that they ceased sourcing iceberg lettuce from central Mexico for the season.
• Federal officials have faced criticism for inconsistent responses to the outbreak, which has sickened thousands, while both the government's handling and Taylor Farms's communication have been questioned.