HHS Secretary Kennedy Says Cyclospora Outbreak Source Identified, Declares Situation Controlled

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared Tuesday that authorities have brought a multistate cyclospora outbreak “under control” following identification of its source and implementation of recall measures. Speaking during a healthcare fraud briefing, Kennedy stated that extensive epidemiological investigation had pinpointed the contamination origin, with involved companies executing necessary recalls.

The announcement came two days after the FDA determined that a prior laboratory result showing cyclospora in a Taylor Farms lettuce sample constituted a false positive upon additional review. The agency continues its investigation and sample collection efforts, though traceback work identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce distributed to affected Taco Bell locations.

Taylor Fresh Foods confirmed it received FDA notification that the initial laboratory finding was erroneous and voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico on July 17 after epidemiological links emerged to Taco Bell restaurants where ill individuals reported dining. The voluntary action was limited to iceberg lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico and did not extend to Taylor Farms-branded retail salad products.

The outbreak has infected 1,644 people and hospitalized 94 across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Despite traceback findings, the FDA has not achieved confirmed laboratory verification of a contaminated product in this investigation, though cyclospora historically correlates with fresh produce including leafy greens, herbs and berries.

Kennedy defended the administration’s response against criticism regarding cuts to the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, or FoodNet, saying reductions targeted redundant surveillance while maintaining investigative capabilities. He characterized ongoing national surveillance efforts as robust and dismissed criticism of the government’s handling as unfounded.