FDA: Cyclospora Outbreak Source Still Unknown

Outbreak may be linked to salad products made by Fresh Express that contain iceberg lettuce and red cabbage
petri dish
petri dish

MONDAY, Aug. 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- The source of an outbreak of Cyclospora infections that have affected 690 people in 13 states is still unknown, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.

The outbreak may be linked to salad products made by Fresh Express that contain iceberg lettuce and red cabbage and were sold in several regions of the United States. They include Fresh Express branded products as well as products made by Fresh Express for retail store brands sold at ALDI, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, ShopRite, and Walmart. The products, which have the product code Z178 or a lower number and "Best by" dates through July 14, 2020, were recalled by Fresh Express on June 27.

The FDA's investigation revealed several farms in the United States that may have provided products used in the recalled Fresh Express salads and found Cyclospora in samples collected from an irrigation canal in Florida. However, the FDA was not able to determine if the Cyclospora in the canal is a genetic match to the outbreak-causing variety, so there is currently not enough evidence to conclusively determine the cause of this outbreak.

The FDA said it is continuing to try to determine the source and impact of Cyclospora in the canal.

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