Federal health officials are continuing to test food items for cyclospora after discovering a sample of iceberg lettuce was a false positive match for the parasite that has caused thousands of people nationwide to fall sick.
After a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms tested positive for cyclospora on July 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on July 19 that after being re-reviewed, the test was found to be a false positive.
As of July 19, there are no confirmed positive results for samples tested for cyclospora, the FDA said.
Still, Taylor Farms issued an expansive voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce products on July 17 as a result of the outbreak and investigation, which initially connected the illnesses to lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico sold in part through Taco Bell locations in five states.
Cases of cyclosporiasis – the illness caused by the parasite – have surged in more than 30 states in recent weeks. People who contract the illness usually have “explosive” diarrhea and other severe gastrointestinal issues.
Here’s the latest on cyclosporiasis, including case numbers and recalled products.
Taylor Farms Recalls Lettuce Amid False Positive
On July 17, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico because it could be contaminated with cyclospora.
The following day, the FDA said a collected sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms – which was not part of the recalled batch – tested positive for the parasite. It has since walked back the finding, saying the result was a false positive.
However, Taylor Farms recalled both lettuce products served at Taco Bell restaurants as well as certain bagged lettuce products sold at Walmart under the Marketside brand.
Taylor Farms said in a statement that all of its other products, including those available for purchase, are not involved in the recall.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone who has fallen ill in this outbreak. We are committed to working with public health authorities as the ongoing outbreak investigation continues,” the company said.
See Recalled Taylor Farms Lettuce Sold at Walmart
The recalled Walmart products are the only retail items that have been pulled from shelves. The rest of the products were distributed for food service.
“The health and safety of our customers is a top priority,” Walmart said in a statement on July 18.
The affected items include 12-ounce and 24-ounce Marketside Iceberg Salad bags and 8-ounce and 16-ounce Marketside Shredded Lettuce. According to the FDA, they were sold at Walmart stores in the following states:
Alabama
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Missouri
Mississippi
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
The products can be identified by “Best if Used By” dates ranging from July 18 through Aug. 3.
Anyone with the affected products should discard or return them for a refund.
Taco Bell Pulls Lettuce Linked to Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
Taco Bell – which, according to federal officials, used iceberg lettuce connected to the outbreak – said on July 17 that it pulled the product from restaurants.
“Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell worked swiftly to voluntarily remove the product from restaurants and the affected ingredient has been removed from our supply chain nationwide,” the company said in a statement.
According to the FDA, Taco Bell restaurants in at least five states – Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia – received the affected lettuce, but it’s possible that more states could be included.
See a full list of recalled products, including food service products, on the FDA site.
How Many Cases of Cyclosporiasis Are There?
As of July 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it has confirmed more than 1,600 cases nationwide, but it was also working to verify more than 5,000 additional infections.
The latest total includes 141 people who were hospitalized from the illness. So far, 34 states are reporting cases dating back to May 1, per the CDC.
What Is Cyclosporiasis? Symptoms, Treatment
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, according to the CDC.
The illness is not usually life-threatening and can be treated with antibiotics, but symptoms may last longer for those who are immunocompromised, according to the agency.
Per the agency, common symptoms of cyclosporiasis include:
Watery diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Cramping
Bloating
Increased gas
Nausea
Fatigue
While some people who are infected may not have symptoms, those who do may be sick for up to a month or more, per the CDC.
Contributing: Mike Snider
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
Reporting by Melina Khan, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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