HHS Secretary Addresses Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Status and Investigation Details

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated Tuesday that the multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak is under control, citing traceback investigations that identified a source and subsequent voluntary recalls by companies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,645 confirmed cases across 34 states as of the reporting date, with 145 hospitalizations. The agency also noted more than 5,100 additional cases pending laboratory confirmation. The outbreak began in early May 2026.

The Food and Drug Administration reported that an initial positive cyclospora test on a Taylor Farms lettuce sample was later determined to be a false positive following further laboratory review. The agency stated it continues to investigate and collect product samples.

Traceback investigators identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants linked to the outbreak.

Taylor Fresh Foods issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17. The recall applied only to lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico and did not include Taylor Farms-branded salad products sold at retail. Federal investigators have not confirmed a contaminated product through laboratory testing in this investigation.

Kennedy addressed criticisms regarding the timing of public notification and the impact of funding reductions on surveillance capacity. He stated that reductions to the Foodborne Disease Active Surveillance Network eliminated redundant efforts and that states confirm forensics work continues. The CDC made reporting of cyclospora optional in 2025.

Cyclospora infections have historically been linked to fresh produce including leafy greens.