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FDA Ex-Chief: Taylor Farms Recall Intervention Unusual
27 Jul
Summary
- Ex-FDA chief calls White House intervention in Taylor Farms recall 'unusual'.
- Taylor Farms reportedly sought to delay recall announcement by the FDA.
- Confusing messaging surrounded the cyclospora outbreak recall.
A former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner has described as unusual a reported request from Taylor Farms to the White House concerning a recall linked to a widespread cyclospora outbreak. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA head, stated on CBS's Face the Nation that such intervention was not standard practice during his tenure.
Reports suggest Taylor Farms contacted the White House seeking to postpone the announcement that would link the company to the multi-state outbreak. The company expressed concerns about the clarity of evidence and the scope of federal investigators' findings.
The recall process itself has been characterized by confusing communications. Initially, iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico was voluntarily recalled. However, subsequent FDA updates, including a retraction of a positive test result, added to the muddled messaging.
Federal health officials have faced scrutiny over their handling of the cyclospora outbreak investigation, which has sickened thousands. Both the government's response and Taylor Farms' actions have been questioned by experts.
