Topline<\/p>\n
The Food and Drug Administration issued an apology on Sunday night, saying the test results that linked the growing cyclosporiasis outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms were a \u201cfalse positive,\u201d and the agency has not yet identified any product as the source of the parasite-borne illness outbreak.<\/p>\n
Taylor Farms sign is displayed at one of their facilities in Salinas, California.<\/p>\n
Getty ImagesKey Facts<\/p>\n
In an emailed statement shared with Forbes, Taylor Farms said it had received an apology from the FDA, noting that its iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico were mistakenly identified as positive for cyclospora. Mexico.\u201d<\/p>\n
The company noted that it had acted on the initial information provided by health officials and carried out a \u201cvoluntary recall of iceberg lettuce from central<\/p>\n
Taylor Farms said that all its other products are not part of the recall and remain available for purchase.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s statement didn\u2019t mention whether it plans to resume selling iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after the FDA’s false positive finding.<\/p>\n
What Do We Know About The Lettuce Recall?<\/p>\n
Taylor Farms announced<\/a> the recall of all batches of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on Friday. In an update on Saturday<\/a>, the FDA said a \u201csample of shredded iceberg lettuce\u201d supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico had tested positive for cyclospora. The agency said the sample had been collected during \u201ctargeted import surveillance\u201d as a result of the cyclosporiasis outbreak. The lot, which initially tested positive, was not part of Taylor Farms\u2019 recall and the company was trying to ascertain if the affected lot was available for sale or purchased by consumers. With the FDA now reporting a false positive its unclear if the affected lot will be recalled or removed from retail.<\/p>\n big number<\/p>\n 5,002. That is the total number of cyclosporiasis cases reported by Michigan<\/a> so far, which is the epicenter of the ongoing outbreak of the parsite-borne illness. According to state health officials, at least 102 people have been hospitalized as a result of the infection. According to<\/a> the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases have been reported in 34 states so far.<\/p>\n What Is Cyclosporiasis?<\/p>\n Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a parasite and people can get infected by consuming contaminated food or water, according to the CDC. The disease is not usually life-threatening, and key symptoms include diarrhea and sometimes \u201cexplosive bowel movements.\u201d The illness usually lasts around one week and people with severe cases may need hospitalization.<\/p>\n further reading<\/p>\n Cyclosporiasis Theories Are Spreading Online. Here\u2019s What\u2019s True.<\/a> (Forbes)<\/p>\n