Federal health officials are continuing to investigate a large multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak associated with iceberg lettuce, but the latest guidance indicates that consumers do not need to avoid iceberg lettuce altogether. The products linked to the outbreak have been recalled and are no longer expected to be available in U.S. stores or restaurants.
FDA Says Recalled Iceberg Lettuce Is Off the Market
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in its latest update that it “remains confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific Cyclospora outbreak is off the market” and that “product should no longer be available in stores or restaurants.”
That means consumers can generally continue buying and eating iceberg lettuce currently available for sale, provided it is not among the products previously recalled.
“In terms of the risk to consumers now, if today for dinner you wanted to go out and eat a salad, you’re pretty safe from cyclospora at this point, as far as we know,” said Matthew Moore, an associate professor of food science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Dr. Jennifer Layden, associate dean for practice and a professor at the Bursky School of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, offered similar guidance.
“Assuming you do not come across any food with a known recall, yes, it is OK to eat such types of produce,” Layden said.
“For that specific outbreak – the cyclosporiasis outbreak associated with the iceberg lettuce – that was all removed from the market in the food supply. That food’s been recalled, and so with that knowledge, that’s been several weeks now. I believe that it is safe,” she said.
However, Layden advised consumers who previously had recalled products at home to “carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that it touched.”
How the Iceberg Lettuce Recall Began
The investigation began after public health data pointed to shredded iceberg lettuce associated with illnesses among people who reported eating at some Taco Bell locations.
The FDA traced the lettuce to Taylor Farms and growers in Mexico.
On July 17, Taylor Farms de Mexico announced that it had removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. Taylor Farms also initiated a recall that included certain Marketside iceberg salad packs and shredded lettuce carrying specified best-if-used-by dates.
Dr. Colleen Kraft, a professor of infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine, said current federal guidance does not call for avoiding iceberg lettuce as a whole.
“Based on the information currently available, FDA is not advising consumers to avoid iceberg lettuce in general,” Kraft said in an email. “I am comfortable with people eating iceberg lettuce that is currently being sold. I would distinguish between the specific recalled product and iceberg lettuce as a category. The implicated lettuce is no longer expected to be on the market. There is always some baseline risk associated with eating raw produce, but there is not currently a recommendation to avoid all iceberg lettuce because of this outbreak.”
Are New Cyclosporiasis Cases Still Being Reported?
The FDA and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the outbreak has been linked to 11,458 illnesses across 20 states, including 495 hospitalizations and two deaths.
Most illnesses began before the July 17 recall, according to the FDA.
“The most recent reported illness onset is August 15. But this is an important distinction: a newly reported case is not necessarily a newly acquired infection,” Kraft said. “There can be a substantial delay between someone becoming ill, being diagnosed, being interviewed by public health officials, and ultimately having their illness linked to an outbreak.”
Why Case Numbers Can Continue Rising After a Recall
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness that can lead to severe diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Symptoms may develop anywhere from two days to two weeks after infection. Federal and state health authorities can then need additional time to investigate individual illnesses and determine whether they are connected to the outbreak.
According to the FDA, the process of identifying and linking an illness to an outbreak can take as long as six weeks.
“This lag in reporting gives a false sense that cases are still occurring. In reality, these are cases that occurred earlier, and are now just being reported and linked to the associated contained products,” Layden said. “The case counts that we’re seeing right now go up are largely due to cases that occurred several weeks ago, before the product was recalled.”
What Are Safer Alternatives to Raw Lettuce?
Consumers who remain concerned about cyclosporiasis do not need to eliminate fruits and vegetables from their diets. Fresh produce remains an important part of a balanced diet, while certain preparation methods can reduce exposure to foodborne pathogens.
“For someone who wants to be particularly cautious, cooked vegetables are a lower-risk alternative because cooking provides a kill step that raw produce does not. Frozen or canned vegetables that are subsequently cooked are also reasonable options,” Kraft said. “Fruits that you peel yourself, such as bananas or oranges, may provide another practical option because the portion you eat is protected.”
Consumers should also continue following standard food-safety practices, including checking active recalls, keeping food-preparation areas clean and properly storing produce.
Bottom Line for U.S. Consumers
Current federal guidance does not recommend avoiding iceberg lettuce in general. The specific products associated with the outbreak have been recalled and are no longer expected to be on the market.
Although the investigation remains active and reported case totals may continue to increase because of reporting delays, experts say iceberg lettuce currently being sold can generally be eaten. Consumers should continue monitoring recall information and following routine food-safety precautions when handling raw produce.
Herman Melville is a contributor at TechNewsInc, covering a diverse range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, reliable reporting and useful information, helping readers stay informed about current affairs and developments through relevant, accessible, and engaging stories.
