RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis outbreak is ‘under control’ as Mexico casts doubt on link to Taylor Farms facility

Key Points:

• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the cyclosporiasis outbreak is "under control," attributing it mainly to shredded iceberg lettuce from a Taylor Farms facility in central Mexico, though Mexican officials have found no evidence linking the outbreak to their country.
• The FDA and other health authorities face challenges tracing the parasite cyclospora due to its detection difficulties and delayed symptom onset, with recent cases still being identified, prompting ongoing investigations and preventive actions.
• Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico and ceased sourcing from the region for the season, supplying products to Taco Bell and Walmart locations in several U.S. states, but no positive cyclospora samples have been found at the facility.
• Critics have raised concerns about reduced federal cyclospora surveillance after cuts to the FoodNet program, but Kennedy defended the current efforts, emphasizing continued forensic and surveillance activities across states despite the program changes.
• Food safety experts warn that the lack of active surveillance may hinder the ability to fully understand and control the outbreak, as ongoing investigations expand to include testing of irrigation water, soil, and workers associated with the implicated fields.