Mexico disputes conclusive source in FDA lettuce contamination probe

Mexico’s Health Ministry stated that a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation into a cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico failed to conclusively identify the source of contamination.

Mexico’s food-safety regulator, Cofepris, reported that tests conducted on raw materials, finished products, and water from the investigated facility were negative for the parasite. The regulator noted that environmental findings do not provide conclusive evidence that agricultural products were the source.

While the FDA identified a strong epidemiological and traceback link between the outbreak and the recalled lettuce, it found insufficient evidence to determine how the contamination occurred. The FDA reported two positive environmental samples in Mexico: one from wastewater at a processing facility and another from a drainage ditch at an iceberg lettuce farm.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared the outbreak over on September 11. The incident sickened 12,883 people across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. Mexico confirmed it cooperated with U.S. health authorities throughout the investigation.