The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that the multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has ended. The agency said there is no longer a risk of new infections from the source linked to the outbreak. [1][8]
The outbreak was traced to iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico for Taylor Farms de Mexico and distributed to major fast-food chains nationwide, including Taco Bell. CDC and FDA officials said the recalled lettuce has already been removed from stores and restaurants. [6][7][8]
The outbreak became the largest cyclospora event in U.S. history, with 12,883 confirmed cases in 21 states since May 1, according to federal officials. At the height of the outbreak, more than 1,000 infections were reported in a single day before the recall took effect. [6][8]
Federal officials said they continue to investigate the source of contamination, and the FDA is still examining five other unrelated outbreaks. The agencies said the broader response included nearly 20,000 illness reports nationwide, more than 1,000 hospitalizations and two deaths. [8]
