FDA Traces 9-State Cyclospora Outbreak to Central Mexico Farms
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jul 26
FDA Traces 9-State Cyclospora Outbreak to Central Mexico Farms
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jul 26
Summary
Nine states are reporting cyclospora cases, and former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency has narrowed the main source to specific farms in central Mexico.
Human sewage likely contaminated growing fields there, he said, prompting restaurants, wholesalers and retailers to cut off supplies from the region and reduce immediate risk.
Gottlieb said the outbreak is not fully under control because officials have not confirmed central Mexico is the only source, and some newly reported cases may reflect background infections or increased reporting.
He said FDA traced the source relatively quickly despite the parasite being hard to detect in food, but criticized weaker agency communication and called White House involvement in recall discussions unusual.
Mexican health authorities deny responsibility, while U.S. consumer confidence remains strained: 47% of Americans told CBS they lack much confidence in the FDA's handling of the outbreak.