Lettuce Recall Due to Cyclospora
Taylor Farms Recalls Lettuce Across 27 States Amid Multistate Cyclospora Outbreak Risk
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Taylor Farms has expanded a voluntary recall of its iceberg lettuce products due to a potential link to a multistate cyclospora outbreak, according to MyNorthwest. The California-based company shipped the affected products to 27 states, including Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause intestinal illness in people who eat contaminated food or drink contaminated water. The lettuce was sourced from central Mexico, and the outbreak has already sickened people across the United States, KTAR reported.
Recall Expands as Outbreak Spreads Across 27 States
Taylor Farms initially issued a recall before expanding it as investigators traced more products to the outbreak. The company grows and distributes fresh produce across the country. The iceberg lettuce at the center of the recall came from its central Mexico growing operations, Erie News Now reported.
The 27 states affected span much of the country. Major population centers like Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Illinois are among those where the recalled lettuce was shipped. Consumers in those states are urged to check their refrigerators and throw out any affected products.
What Is Cyclospora and Why It Is Dangerous
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite too small to see with the naked eye. It spreads when people eat food or drink water contaminated with infected feces. It is not spread directly from person to person. Symptoms usually start about a week after exposure, according to Jonesboro Sun.
Common symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. If left untreated, the illness can last weeks or even months. It is treated with a combination of antibiotics. People with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness.
How to Know If Your Lettuce Is Affected
Taylor Farms has not yet specified exact product names, lot numbers, or use-by dates in widely available reporting. Consumers should look for iceberg lettuce products sold under the Taylor Farms brand that were sourced from Mexico, Weatherford Democrat noted.
The Food and Drug Administration is working with Taylor Farms and public health officials to investigate the outbreak. Anyone who bought the product is advised not to eat it. They should throw it away or return it to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
Leafy Green Outbreaks Follow a Familiar Pattern
This is not the first time fresh leafy greens have been tied to a cyclospora outbreak in the United States. Similar outbreaks have been linked to cilantro, basil, and other produce grown in Mexico in previous years. Health officials say fresh produce is harder to decontaminate than cooked foods.
Taylor Farms is one of the largest fresh produce companies in North America. The company said it is cooperating fully with health authorities. Investigators are working to confirm the exact source and scope of the contamination, Tri-City Record reported.
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