What Do We Know About The Lettuce Recall?
Taylor Farms announced the recall of all batches of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on Friday. In an update on Saturday, the FDA said a “sample of shredded iceberg lettuce” supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico had tested positive for cyclospora. The agency said the sample had been collected during “targeted import surveillance” as a result of the cyclosporiasis outbreak. The lot, which initially tested positive, was not part of Taylor Farms’ recall and the company was trying to ascertain if the affected lot was available for sale or purchased by consumers. With the FDA now reporting a false positive its unclear if the affected lot will be recalled or removed from retail.
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big number
5,002. That is the total number of cyclosporiasis cases reported by Michigan so far, which is the epicenter of the ongoing outbreak of the parsite-borne illness. According to state health officials, at least 102 people have been hospitalized as a result of the infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases have been reported in 34 states so far.
What Is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite and people can get infected by consuming contaminated food or water, according to the CDC. The disease is not usually life-threatening, and key symptoms include diarrhea and sometimes “explosive bowel movements.” The illness usually lasts around one week and people with severe cases may need hospitalization.
further reading
Cyclosporiasis Theories Are Spreading Online. Here’s What’s True. (Forbes)
Taco Bell Lettuce Linked To Multistate Cyclosporiasis Outbreak—But Not Every Sick Person Ate There (Forbes)
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