How Trump admin cuts have compromised food safety
The FDA says the biggest outbreak is tied to iceberg lettuce from Mexico, while staffing cuts and delayed traceability rules have slowed investigations.
- Since May, more than 11,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, have been reported across 41 states nationwide.
- The Food and Drug Administration believes the largest outbreak originated from contaminated iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms de Mexico, causing nearly 2,000 illnesses across nine states.
- Susan Mayne, an adjunct professor at the Yale School of Public Health, called it a "record-setting outbreak," noting that standard commercial washes cannot eliminate the parasite's resilience.
- The FDA has lost about 20 percent of staff and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention parasite tracking teams reduced to three scientists, while a crucial Traceability Rule faces delay until 2028.
- Calling the situation a "national wake-up call," Mayne advises consumers to avoid bagged salads and heat produce to at least 158°F, the only reliable method to kill the parasite.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Cyclospora: Could Deadlier Foodborne Illnesses Follow?
Source: Brandon Bell / Getty At this point, you’re probably well aware of the cyclospora outbreak that has infected thousands of people across the United States. There is growing concern among food safety experts that deadlier foodborne outbreaks could be on the horizon given changes within the federal government. CBS News reports that under the Trump administration, food safety protocols have been greatly overhauled and not necessarily for the…
Former U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said today that some major producers and retailers have stopped supplying fruit and vegetable products from a region in central Mexico related to an outbreak of ciclosporiasis, due to concerns about widespread contamination. FDA research related the outbreak to Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants, owned by Yum Brands, in nine states. The health a…
Taco Bell customer visits tumble 31% after Cyclospora parasite outbreak tied to lettuce
The decline came after health authorities connected a multistate Cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell and other restaurant chains.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb on cyclospora outbreak: This is the largest outbreak we've seen in history
Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the latest developments in the cyclospora outbreak, Dr. Fauci's role in the Covid-19 outbreak, and more.
Record outbreaks of cyclospora infections are spreading in the USA. Susan Mayne, former Head of Food Safety at the FDA, now strongly advises against this food.
Lettuce lovers turn to local N.H. farms for fresh produce amid cyclospora outbreaks
Lettuce from the company Taylor Farms has been linked to cyclospora outbreaks in multiple states, including New Hampshire. Taylor Farms recalled some of its lettuce, which is found in restaurants and grocery stores around the country.
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