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FDA Rules Taylor Farms Lettuce Sample False Positive for Cyclospora
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reversed its July 18 finding after laboratory experts re-reviewed results. No confirmed positive samples have been identified as of July 19. Taylor Farms had recalled products from central Mexico as a precaution.
Jul 19, 11:05 PM·1m read11 sources
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration determined on July 19 that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms was a false positive for cyclospora. Laboratory experts re-reviewed the results from the prior day and concluded the finding did not represent true amplification.
As of July 19 the agency reported no confirmed positive sample results for cyclospora in product testing. The FDA notified Taylor Farms of the determination the same day and said it continues to work with the company to ensure any product implicated in the outbreak has been removed from the market. Taylor Farms stated that the FDA apologized for the error.
The company added that the agency has not identified a single positive product test result for cyclospora. The tested sample originated from the Taylor Farms de Mexico facility in Guanajuato and was packed in five-pound bags; it was not part of the current recall. Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled all shredded lettuce products grown and processed in central Mexico on July 17.
The company did not recall any other products. It had expanded the recall the same day to include four Marketside-brand items sold at Walmart. Walmart removed four bagged iceberg lettuce salad products from select locations in nearly 30 states as a precaution.
The retailer stated there have been no confirmed illnesses associated with those products. An FDA traceback investigation identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the single supplier of iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The agency linked that lettuce to 1,644 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases at those restaurants.
Taco Bell removed possibly impacted lettuce from its supply chain nationwide on July 16. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,645 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases and 141 hospitalizations across 34 states since May 1, with no confirmed deaths, as of July 13. Michigan health authorities reported more than 5,000 cases as of July 16.
