FDA confirms cyclospora cases from recalled lettuce reach 11,458 in 20 states

Investigation centers on Taylor Farms farm in central Mexico

The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that government scientists have confirmed cyclospora cases linked to recalled iceberg lettuce in 20 states, with the tally of people sickened rising to 11,458 from about 10,900 a week earlier. Three states — Georgia, Tennessee and Texas — were newly added in the agency’s latest weekly update, expanding what federal investigators describe as the largest cyclospora outbreak of its kind in the United States.

The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health officials have focused their investigation on lettuce grown at a single Taylor Farms farm in central Mexico. Taylor Farms is a major U.S. produce supplier.

FDA staff are continuing to inspect and test produce at the farm in cooperation with officials from the Mexican government, the agency said.

In its Thursday update, the FDA said it “remains confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific cyclospora outbreak is off the market.”