Items Tagged with 'foodborne illness'

While the outbreak is over, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues the outbreak investigation of cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported both individuals had “significant underlying health conditions” that were likely impacted by cyclosporiasis infection and dehydration.

The FDA originally had identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the Taco Bell shredded iceberg lettuce supplier connected to the parasite outbreak that has sickened hundreds across the country.

Taco Bell says it has taken action to remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states.

The agency reports 141 people have been hospitalized but no deaths have been reported.

The department, which has reported 2,640 cases as of July 13, noted other food items can’t be completely ruled out since no specific type of produce, grower or supplier has been identified as the source.

The agency says there are more than 1,500 cases that require further analysis to confirm domestically acquired cyclosporiasis.

All three cases included in this outbreak consumed Nara Organics-brand powdered infant formula. No deaths have been reported.

FoodNet, which is a collaboration between the CDC, USDA FSIS, FDA and 10 state health departments, previously tracked infections caused by eight pathogens. As of July, monitoring is required for only two pathogens. 

High humidity exposure and the water-soaking symptom caused by X. vitians also enhance the ability of salmonella to rapidly grow in lettuce, and climate change is predicted to increase humid periods.