Home / Health / Lettuce Outbreak Over: 13,000 Sickened
Lettuce Outbreak Over: 13,000 Sickened
11 Sep
Summary
- Nation's largest recorded cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce is now over.
- Nearly 13,000 people across 21 states were sickened in the contaminated lettuce outbreak.
- Two deaths and 570 hospitalizations were recorded due to the foodborne illness.
The United States has officially concluded its largest recorded outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an illness linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce. This outbreak affected nearly 13,000 individuals across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two reported deaths, with Michigan being the hardest-hit state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that all recalled lettuce tied to the outbreak has been removed from the market.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded 12,883 cases, with symptoms typically appearing about a week after consumption. The contamination was traced to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. This incident highlights an unprecedented rise in cyclosporiasis cases this year, with nearly 20,000 confirmed cases reported since May 1, a significant increase compared to previous years.
The outbreak has prompted renewed discussions about the adequacy of US food-safety regulations and the efficacy of produce inspections. Recent years have seen a decline in FDA inspections of foreign food facilities, and a key traceability rule for leafy greens has been delayed. The FDA has conducted inspections and sample collections in Mexico related to the implicated farm and processing facility, with further investigation ongoing with Mexican officials.
