From CNBC · Jacob Pramuk · · 1m 20s
The biggest cyclospora outbreak ever is over
A parasite in shredded iceberg lettuce sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states before the CDC called it done.
In brief
A parasite in shredded iceberg lettuce sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states before the CDC called it done. A single supplier's shredded lettuce reached 21 states before anyone could trace it, and the parasite's slow incubation gave it weeks of cover. Originally reported by CNBC.
The CDC calls it over
On Friday the CDC declared the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in U.S. history finished. The cluster sickened 12,833 people across 21 states.
“The largest-ever outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. has ended”
Shredded lettuce was the source
Officials traced the cluster to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms in Mexico, a producer that feeds a large share of the American food chain.
Worst season on record
Counting every case, not just the big cluster, the U.S. logged 19,595 cyclospora infections. Two people died, both in Michigan, the center of the outbreak.
The parasite hid for weeks
Cyclospora has a long incubation period, so tracing a case back to its source can take weeks. By then the suspect produce has often already spoiled.
“It can take weeks to trace back the source of the illness”
Recalls came in July
Taylor Farms pulled the iceberg lettuce, including packages sold at Walmart. Taco Bell, which served the same shredded lettuce, yanked it from restaurants that month.
Now the hard questions
The outbreak dented lettuce sales at restaurants and grocers, and put scrutiny on food safety procedures, consolidation in the food supply, and FDA staffing and funding.
The essence
A single supplier's shredded lettuce reached 21 states before anyone could trace it, and the parasite's slow incubation gave it weeks of cover.
