BS BRIEF
- The FDA now says a laboratory result that appeared to show Cyclospora in a Taylor Farms lettuce sample was actually a false positive after experts re-reviewed the testing data. As of Sunday, the agency says there are no confirmed positive product samples.
- Taylor Fresh Foods says federal officials informed the company of the error and that it voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce from central Mexico out of caution while the investigation continues.
- The Cyclospora outbreak investigation is still active. Federal health officials continue tracing the source of illnesses linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell restaurants even though the positive product test has been withdrawn.
FDA backtracks after Taylor Farms lettuce test turns out to be false positive
The federal government’s investigation into a multistate Cyclospora outbreak took an unexpected turn Sunday after the Food and Drug Administration acknowledged that one of its most significant findings simply didn’t hold up.
Just one day after announcing that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico had tested positive for the parasite Cyclospora, the FDA reversed itself.
“Due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive,” the agency said in an updated investigation notice. The FDA added that, as of Sunday, there are no confirmed positive product samples for Cyclospora.
The reversal represents a major development in an outbreak investigation that has already prompted widespread recalls, restaurant supply changes and consumer concern.
Taylor Fresh Foods said federal officials informed the company the original laboratory finding was incorrect.
“To be clear, at this moment, FDA has not identified a single positive product test result for Cyclospora,” the company said in a statement.
The produce company added that it had voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico “out of an abundance of caution” after receiving the government’s original information. According to Taylor Farms, the recall remains limited to iceberg lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico, while its branded salad kits and other products are not affected. The company also said the FDA apologized after notifying it of the testing error.
Despite the laboratory reversal, federal investigators stress that the broader public health investigation is far from over.
The FDA and CDC continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened more than 1,600 people nationwide. Epidemiologists have linked many illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, leading Taco Bell to voluntarily remove potentially affected lettuce from certain restaurants while investigators continue tracing the source.
The FDA said it is continuing to collect additional product samples while working alongside state investigators and Taylor Farms to ensure recalled products remain off the market until the investigation reaches a definitive conclusion. Officials emphasized that the false-positive laboratory finding does not end the search for the outbreak’s source.
For consumers, the agency continues recommending that anyone who purchased recalled iceberg lettuce dispose of it and thoroughly sanitize any surfaces it contacted. Anyone experiencing prolonged diarrhea or other symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis should contact a healthcare provider.
For Taylor Farms, Sunday’s announcement removes what appeared to be the strongest laboratory evidence directly connecting its lettuce to the outbreak. But until investigators identify the precise source of contamination, the recall remains in place and the investigation continues.
MY TAKE:
Well… somebody at the FDA just learned that the “undo” button isn’t nearly as powerful as the “send” button.
One day America hears, “We’ve got the lettuce!” The next day it’s, “Actually… about that…”
Imagine getting blamed on national television, watching your products disappear off grocery shelves, seeing restaurants yank your lettuce, and then getting a call that basically says, “Good news—we were wrong.”
That’s not exactly the kind of apology you frame on the wall.
This is why people get whiplash every time a federal agency rushes to hold a press conference before all the lab work is finished. Once the headlines scream CONTAMINATED LETTUCE, nobody notices the tiny follow-up that says, Oops… false alarm.
To be fair, public health investigations are complicated. Cyclospora isn’t easy to detect, and investigators are still trying to identify exactly where this outbreak started.
But if you’re going to put a company’s name through the national blender, it might be nice to make sure you’ve actually plugged the blender in first.
DBS WIRE SOURCES:
- Fox Business – FDA says Taylor Farms Cyclospora lettuce test was a false positive
- FDA – Investigation of 5-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce (updated July 19)
- Reuters – FDA says Taylor Farms Cyclospora finding was a false positive
- ABC News – Taylor Farms recalls lettuce in 27 states amid Cyclospora outbreak: What to know
- Taylor Fresh Foods – Taylor Fresh Foods updated statement regarding Cyclospora outbreak
