Lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak spreads to three more states, surpasses 11,000 cases

The Food and Drug Administration confirmed that the cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has expanded to three additional states—Georgia, Tennessee and Texas—raising the number of reported cases to 11,458 across 20 states. Investigators traced the contamination to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico to Taco Bell restaurants. Since the outbreak was first identified in July, it has resulted in hundreds of hospitalizations and two fatalities, both occurring in Michigan among individuals with serious underlying health conditions.

Cyclospora, the single-celled parasite responsible, produces stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and weight loss, with symptoms appearing about a week after infection and potentially lasting up to a month. The widespread illness has also impacted consumer behavior, causing leafy-green sales to drop as much as 30% and overall vegetable sales to fall roughly 16% to 17%. Industry executives note the episode is reshaping how Americans shop for fresh produce.