CDC Confirms Record Cyclospora Cases as FDA Investigates Taylor Farms Lettuce

The US has experienced a record-high number of cyclosporiasis cases, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, which scientists believe humans are contracting through contaminated produce such as lettuce, berries, and herbs.

The Details: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed 4,173 cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1 and are investigating more than 7,400 other cases that are not yet confirmed, according to New York Times (Lean Left bias). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms is likely the cause of the outbreak. Though the FDA reported a false positive test on a Taylor Farms lettuce sample, the organization emphasized that other evidence still likely points to Taylor Farms being at least one source.

Criticism of the CDC: According to The Hill (Center), the CDC stopped routinely reporting data on Cyclospora and other pathogens in July 2025, causing some to criticize the administration in the wake of the current outbreak. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the CDC, saying, "Those criticisms are invalid. We've had no cuts in our surveillance program. We did cuts in the FoodNet program, but they were for redundant surveillance, and all the states will tell you that we're still doing forensics. We're still doing surveillance in all the states." The Hill reported that other experts have agreed that the cuts to data reporting "did not have an impact on the current outbreak." Just the News (Lean Right) emphasized that Kennedy called the outbreak "under control."

Other Reasons for the Surge: New York Times noted a few other factors that could influence the high numbers of cases, including more media attention on the parasite. A health professor told The Times that "once word of an outbreak begins to spread, more people may see a doctor for testing" and that more doctors may order specific cyclospora tests for sick patients than usual, as the parasite does not come up on typical tests for food-borne illnesses.

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