FDA: Taylor Farms Lettuce Cyclospora Finding Was False Positive

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Sunday that a laboratory re-examination of a Taylor Farms lettuce sample, initially found to be positive for the cyclospora parasite, has determined the finding to be a false positive. This conclusion means there are currently no confirmed positive sample results for cyclospora in connection with the ongoing investigation.

Earlier, the FDA had reported that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms tested positive for the parasite, which has sickened thousands across the U.S. In response to the initial information, Taylor Fresh Foods, the company's spokesperson, stated they were informed of the FDA's mistake and that the company had completed a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico out of an abundance of caution.

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To be clear, at this moment, FDA has not identified a single positive product test result for cyclospora.

Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the single-cell protozoa cyclospora, has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in several U.S. states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has led to approximately 100 hospitalizations with no reported deaths. The FDA stated it has notified Taylor Farms and continues to collaborate with the company to ensure any product implicated in the outbreak is removed from the market. Taylor Farms also confirmed the FDA had apologized for the error.

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notified Taylor Farms and continues working with the firm to ensure the product implicated in this outbreak has been removed from the market.