Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce

A nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora parasite, has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms and growers in Mexico. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been more than 11,000 reported cases across at least 20 states, resulting in nearly 500 hospitalizations and two deaths.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that the contaminated lettuce should no longer be available in restaurants or stores. While health officials note that the risk in restaurants is likely minimal, they advise consumers to avoid all recalled products. Because water alone is insufficient to kill the parasite, experts recommend boiling or roasting produce to ensure safety.