Sysco halts Mexican iceberg lettuce purchases amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

Sysco, the nation's largest broadline food distributor, said it will cease purchasing iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico after the FDA identified a cyclosporiasis parasite in lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms. CEO Kevin Hourican explained that the firm had already halted sales of the Mexican product in mid-July and is now relying on domestic sources, though matching previous volumes remains difficult. The outbreak, which has affected nine states, was linked to lettuce served at fast-food outlets and prompted a voluntary recall by Taylor Farms on July 18.

Michigan health officials reported dozens of hospitalizations and two deaths among those infected. Authorities advise consumers who ate shredded iceberg lettuce in the prior two weeks to seek medical attention if symptoms appear.