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Parasite Found at Farm Linked to Massive U.S. Illness Outbreak
3 Oct
Summary
- FDA inspectors found cyclospora in wastewater and a drainage ditch.
- The outbreak caused nearly 13,000 cases of diarrhea and illness.
- The FDA's investigation into the outbreak has now concluded.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded its investigation into a significant cyclospora outbreak that affected the U.S. FDA inspectors discovered the parasite at a Mexican farm, identified as Taylor Farms, which is believed to be the source of the illness. The parasite was detected in a wastewater tank and a drainage ditch used for lettuce cultivation.
This outbreak resulted in nearly 13,000 reported cases of illness, primarily characterized by diarrhea, across the United States. While the FDA's findings provide strong evidence linking the outbreak to the Taylor Farms facility, the exact pathway of contamination remains unclear. The agency’s investigation into the matter has now been formally closed.
