Mexico Disputes FDA's Findings in Lettuce Outbreak Investigation

Mexico's Health Minister David Kershenobich has contested the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) conclusion that lettuce linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak in the U.S. was sourced from central Mexico. The FDA's traceback investigation identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier for Taco Bell locations where affected individuals consumed shredded iceberg lettuce. Following this, Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from Mexico. Kershenobich stated that no evidence has been found to support the FDA's claim, emphasizing that Mexican health officials are conducting their own investigation in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has affected over 4,000 individuals across 41 states since May 1, with hundreds hospitalized but no reported deaths. The FDA previously reported a positive test for cyclospora in a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms, but later clarified that it was a false positive. Taylor Farms has stated that the FDA acknowledged this mistake. The investigation continues as health officials seek to determine the source of the outbreak.