A recall Taylor Farms issued led to the removal of iceberg lettuce the company distributed to 27 states. But the recall list was vague, not providing consumers with information on where the lettuce was sold or how consumers could avoid it. The FDA reported that some of the lettuce was sold at Walmart stores, while media reports found the lettuce also went to Jack in the Box restaurants, and food distributors Sysco and US Foods. It was also sold in blends with romaine lettuce.
Whether the new outbreak the FDA identified Wednesday is ultimately from an entirely different source or linked to that outbreak remains unclear. The FDA did not provide information on where the cases were identified or how they may be linked. Similarly, it’s unclear what potential food sources are being investigated, though the FDA said a traceback investigation is underway.
The Department of Health and Human Services, which houses both the FDA and CDC, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Ars Technica. Other outlets, including the New York Times, have also reported that the FDA and CDC did not respond to questions about the new outbreak.
Both agencies have been hit hard by budget and staffing cuts by the Trump administration. In addition to the six Cyclospora outbreaks this year, the FDA has 10 other open investigations on foodborne outbreaks, including outbreaks caused by Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium botulinum, and Listeria monocytogenes.
