U.S. health agencies said on Thursday that their investigation into a cyclosporiasis outbreak connected to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico has expanded, with three additional states added to the list of affected jurisdictions. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the investigation now spans 20 states.
Authorities have linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants and sourced from Taylor Farms’ operations in Mexico. Federal officials reported that the outbreak has grown to 11,458 confirmed cases, including 495 hospitalizations.
The FDA said that Georgia, Tennessee and Texas were added to the roster of states since the last update a week earlier. Officials described the event as one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent U.S. history, a public-health episode that has affected consumer confidence in fresh produce. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can include diarrhea, nausea and other gastrointestinal complaints.
Investigators said they are maintaining an active, onsite presence. The FDA reported ongoing inspections and sampling at iceberg lettuce farms and at the processing facility in Mexico, working in coordination with Mexican officials on those efforts.
The agency said it is confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce has been removed from the market and added that it will continue to coordinate with federal, state and international partners as the probe proceeds.
Michigan has been identified as the hardest-hit state in the outbreak, reporting two deaths linked to the illness. Health officials in Michigan indicated both fatal cases involved people with significant underlying health conditions.
In a separate state-level update, the Michigan health department reported 14,510 cases linked to an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, noting that the figure had increased by 233 cases, or about 2%, since its prior update the week before.
Investigation status
- FDA and CDC continue on-the-ground inspections and sampling at farms and a processing facility in Mexico.
- The agencies report coordination with Mexican officials and with federal and state partners in the United States.
- The FDA stated that recalled iceberg lettuce has been removed from commerce and that it will continue investigative work.
Public health impact
Authorities say the outbreak has produced thousands of reported infections and hundreds of hospitalizations. Michigan reported two deaths tied to the outbreak, both involving patients with major underlying medical issues. The illness commonly produces gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea.
Contextual note
Officials described the episode as among the larger recent foodborne illness events in the United States and noted resulting concerns among consumers about fresh produce.