FDA retracts test result, but Taylor Farms recall remains in place

The FDA is walking back its warning on Taylor Farms lettuce. The agency said yesterday that its initial test indicating the presence of the illness-causing cyclospora parasite was a false positive and has retracted the claim made over the weekend.

The FDA still recommends avoiding the recalled lettuce because its investigation indicates the product is the likely source of the multi-state outbreak.

Health officials have linked the cyclospora spread to shredded iceberg lettuce served at several locations, including Taco Bell restaurants. After interviewing people who became sick, investigators traced the illnesses to lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms. 

The company voluntarily recalled shredded iceberg lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico and distributed across 27 states between June 29 and July 16.

What went wrong with the testing process?
The laboratory testing is ongoing, but cyclospora is difficult to detect because the parasite cannot be cultured in a laboratory like bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella, making it difficult to study. Investigators are relying on patient interviews, distribution records, and additional testing to identify the outbreak’s source.

According to a scientist, it is possible that the test detected a similar organism by mistake.

The FDA has also added Indiana to the investigation, bringing the total to five affected states. Indiana has reported 47 cases, while Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia have reported a combined total of more than 1,500 confirmed infections. No deaths have been linked to the outbreak.

How did we get here?
Last week, the outbreak of severe diarrhea was linked to shredded lettuce from a single supplier serving Taco Bell locations in five states.

Although the FDA’s initial test was a false alarm, the agency said the leafy green is still a serious concern, with its investigation continuing to point to Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce as the likely source.

What to watch out for?
Symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, weight loss, and loss of appetite, and the illness can last for several weeks. 

Meanwhile, the FDA continues testing products and warns more states could join the outbreak as the investigation continues.