The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says a lettuce sample linked to the cyclospora outbreak produced a false positive result. Multiple outlets report that the FDA initially indicated that a shredded iceberg lettuce sample from Taylor Farms tested positive for cyclospora, a parasitic illness that has sickened thousands of people in a multi-state outbreak. The FDA later states that laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample and concluded the initial finding was incorrect. As a result, the agency says it has not found any “confirmed positive” sample results for cyclospora from product testing.
Outlets also report that this development changes how the suspected source is being characterized, with the FDA walking back the earlier association of the outbreak with lettuce produced by Taylor Farms. The FDA continues investigating the outbreak and conducting follow-up work to determine the source of illnesses. While the re-test outcome addresses the specific Taylor Farms sample result, officials still report ongoing uncertainty about where exposures are occurring.
