US health authorities end record cyclosporiasis outbreak investigation after 12,883 illnesses

US Health Officials Close Chapter on Record-Breaking Lettuce Outbreak

US health authorities have officially ended the nation's investigation into the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in recorded history, though regulators are still working to determine how the parasite contaminated the food supply.

The Food and Drug Administration declared the outbreak over on Friday, even as questions remain about the contamination pathway that allowed the parasite to reach American consumers.

Scale of the Crisis

Nearly 13,000 people fell ill across 21 states after consuming contaminated iceberg lettuce, according to data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reported that 12,883 confirmed cases were linked to the contaminated produce.

The outbreak sent 570 people to hospital and caused two deaths. These cases accounted for more than half of the 19,595 laboratory-confirmed cyclosporiasis infections reported in the United States since May 1.

At its height, before contaminated products were recalled, the outbreak generated more than 1,000 reported infections in a single day. By August, new infections had dropped to fewer than two per day on average, the CDC said.

Source and Industry Impact

Federal investigators traced the contaminated lettuce to central Mexico, where it was sourced by Taylor Farms. The outbreak triggered one of the largest food recalls in recent years and intensified scrutiny of food-safety controls for imported produce.

Consumer confidence took a hit, with some shoppers avoiding raw fruits and vegetables and dining out. The caution hurt foot traffic at restaurants including Taco Bell, Sweetgreen and Chipotle.

Source: South China Morning Post