WASHINGTON, DC. (THECOUNT) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has apologized to Taylor Farms after informing the company that a laboratory test indicating the presence of cyclospora in lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico was a false positive, according to statements provided by Taylor Fresh Foods.
The FDA’s acknowledgment comes amid an ongoing investigation into a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora. Federal health officials had previously focused on shredded iceberg lettuce distributed to Taco Bell locations in several Midwestern states.
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According to reports, the FDA initially notified Taylor Fresh Foods that a sample of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico had tested positive for cyclospora.
However, after further review and additional testing, federal officials determined the result was incorrect.
Taylor Fresh Foods, the parent company of Taylor Farms, said the FDA subsequently informed company officials that the earlier test result was a false positive and that no cyclospora had been identified in the tested lettuce sample.
In a statement, Taylor Farms said, “Yesterday, FDA informed Taylor Fresh Foods that one of its iceberg lettuce products from central Mexico had a ‘confirmed positive’ test for cyclospora. Today, we were informed that FDA made a mistake, and this was a false positive.”
The company added that, as of the FDA’s latest communication, federal investigators had not identified a single positive product test result for cyclospora.
Despite the revised findings, Taylor Farms said it had already completed a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after receiving the initial information from health officials.
The company said the recalled products were limited to iceberg lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico and did not include other Taylor Farms products.
According to the FDA’s investigation, Taylor Farms de Mexico was identified as a supplier that distributed lettuce to Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Health officials have been investigating illnesses reported in those states involving people who consumed shredded iceberg lettuce linked to cases of cyclosporiasis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously advised consumers to avoid lettuce served at certain Taco Bell locations in the affected states while investigators worked to determine the source of the outbreak.
Cyclospora infections can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Taylor Farms said it remains committed to cooperating with federal and state health authorities as the investigation continues.
The company also expressed concern for those affected by the outbreak, stating that its thoughts remain with individuals who became ill while public health officials continue searching for the source of contamination.
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