FDA false‑positive cyclospora test leaves lettuce recall unchanged

The FDA announced that a laboratory test linking Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak was a false positive, yet it kept the voluntary recall in place because epidemiologic and traceback evidence still point to the product as the source of illness [2]. This clarification matters for food‑safety regulators and retailers, while having no direct impact on cryptocurrency markets.

FDA clarification and recall status

The FDA’s re‑review concluded that the sample from Taylor Farms did not show true amplification of Cyclospora, prompting the agency to remove the result from its earlier outbreak update [1]. Despite the lab correction, the agency reiterated that the traceback investigation still implicates lettuce sourced from central Mexico as the most likely contamination source [2]. Consequently, the voluntary recall of 25 shredded lettuce and salad‑mix products remains active, covering shipments to 27 states and affecting brands sold at major chains such as Taco Bell [1].

Outbreak scale and surveillance context

The broader cyclosporiasis outbreak has sickened nearly 7,000 people nationwide, according to CDC estimates, with 1,644 cases confirmed through laboratory testing [1]. Hospitalizations total 94, and no deaths have been reported. The CDC’s case count likely underrepresents the true burden because the FoodNet surveillance program no longer mandates reporting of Cyclospora, a change that may hinder future outbreak detection [2].

What to watch

• Recall compliance – Monitor whether additional states add to the recall list or if new product batches are withdrawn.
• Case trends – Watch CDC weekly updates for any rise in confirmed Cyclospora cases linked to the same supply chain.
• Regulatory statements – Track any further FDA communications clarifying the status of the false‑positive test or adjustments to the ongoing investigation.

The FDA’s correction underscores the difficulty of detecting Cyclospora in food, but the epidemiologic link to Taylor Farms’ lettuce remains strong, keeping the recall and public‑health alerts in effect.