FDA withdraws positive Cyclospora finding as outbreak investigation continues

The Food and Drug Administration has withdrawn an earlier finding that appeared to detect the Cyclospora parasite on lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, adding another twist to an outbreak investigation that has sickened thousands of people across the country.

The FDA said Sunday that additional review by laboratory experts determined the reported detection on a lettuce sample was a false positive. The agency said it has not confirmed the presence of Cyclospora on any Taylor Farms lettuce samples and is continuing its investigation.

The reversal came a day after the FDA reported that the parasite had been found on a sample linked to the outbreak.

Taylor Farms, a major supplier of salad products to grocery stores and restaurants nationwide, said the FDA apologized for the incorrect finding. The company said it remains focused on cooperating with investigators and expressed concern for those who have become ill.

Despite the revised laboratory results, Taylor Farms said it has recalled iceberg lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico “out of an abundance of caution.” The company emphasized that many of its other products remain available for sale.

Federal and state health officials continue to investigate the source of the outbreak, which has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states. Investigators are analyzing additional food samples to determine whether contaminated produce can be identified.

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that commonly produces prolonged diarrhea, along with stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks or even longer.

The FDA cautioned that although the initial laboratory result has been ruled out, additional testing is underway, and future samples could still detect the parasite if contaminated produce is found.

Source: WSJ