FDA Concludes Investigation of Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Lettuce

By Josh Beckerman

The Food and Drug Administration concluded its investigation of a cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce and discussed prevention plans for 2027.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared the outbreak over on Sept. 11 and said cases totaled 12,883, including 570 hospitalizations. Health officials linked the outbreak to Taylor Farms lettuce grown in Mexico. Thousands of additional 2026 cases weren't part of that outbreak.

While "there is currently not enough evidence to conclusively determine how contamination occurred in this outbreak," positive samples show that cyclospora was present in the environment where lettuce was grown and processed, the FDA said.

Genotyping of both positive environmental samples collected during onsite inspections has been completed. The FDA said it is continuing its analysis to determine how sample results relate to ongoing genotyping of clinical specimens.

"In advance of the 2027 growing and harvesting season, the FDA will increase activities focused on surveillance, outreach, and finding innovative solutions to prevent Cyclospora contamination of fresh produce," the agency said.

Plans include enhancing laboratory capacity in Mexico and using new and alternative data sources and tools to monitor factors such as weather events that may lead to cyclospora spread.

The efforts also include working with the CDC to enhance and align genotyping methods for cyclospora, to create a single, replicable standard within the federal government, with partner nations and in the industry to help improve the tracing of outbreaks to their sources.

Write to Josh Beckerman at josh.beckerman@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 02, 2026 16:15 ET (20:15 GMT)