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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedSeptember 11, 2026Miami-Dade County

US officials declare end to record-setting cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce

Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

U.S. health officials declared an end to the largest cyclospora food poisoning outbreak in U.S. history on Friday, stating that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to the outbreak has been removed from the market. The multistate outbreak involved nearly 13,000 reported cases and two deaths in Michigan, though its exact origin remains unknown.

Food SafetyPublic HealthFood PoisoningOutbreakRegulations
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Why It Matters

The outbreak sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states and caused two deaths, highlighting vulnerabilities in food safety and foreign produce inspections.

Key Facts

  • U.S. health officials declared an end to the largest cyclospora food poisoning outbreak in U.S. history on Friday.
  • Officials stated that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific outbreak is off the market.
  • Nearly 13,000 reported cyclospora cases were tied to the multistate outbreak across 21 states.
  • Michigan was the hardest hit state, recording the most cases and the two U.S. deaths tied to the outbreak.
  • Since May 1, the government received nearly 20,000 lab-confirmed cases and over 6,100 suspected cases.
  • The worst previous year for infections was 2019, with about 4,700 reported illnesses nationally.
  • Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico that was shipped to major restaurant chains including Yum Brands (Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC).
  • The FDA ended its on-site inspections and sample collection at iceberg lettuce growers and the processing facility in Mexico.
  • The exact origin and how sewage contaminated the food remain unknown.
  • Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite causing watery diarrhea with frequent bowel movements.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationU.S. Food and Drug Administration“Federal agency that declared the outbreak over and conducted inspections.”locationMichigan“Hardest hit state with the most reported cases and two U.S. deaths.”PersonEllen Shumaker“Director of outreach for Safe Plates at North Carolina State University.”OrganizationTaco Bell“Restaurant chain where investigators initially zeroed in on lettuce.”OrganizationCDC“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cited regarding cyclospora symptoms.”OrganizationKFC“Major U.S. restaurant chain.”OrganizationTaylor Farms“Company that recalled iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico.”OrganizationThe Associated Press“News organization publishing the report.”OrganizationSafe Plates“Food safety program at North Carolina State University.”OrganizationPizza Hut“Major U.S. restaurant chain.”OrganizationYum Brands“Owner of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC.”OrganizationAP Fund for Journalism“Provides financial support for AP's health and science coverage.”