A former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food safety chief advises you to avoid bagged salads as cyclospora infections increase nationally. Susan Mayne, a professor of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health and the former director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, gave this warning in an interview with CBS News. Her advice aligns with an ongoing investigation into a large multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. This parasite is mostly found in fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, and berries, causing watery diarrhea, cramping, and fatigue.
Investigators are still trying to pinpoint the outbreak’s source. Former FDA officials and health experts suggest you take extra precautions with high-risk foods for now. Newsweek contacted the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information.
The Cyclospora Outbreak in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 4,173 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. since May, alongside 7,400 unconfirmed reports. States often report higher numbers because they count both confirmed and probable cases; Michigan has reported 8,176 cases alone. Federal officials have previously linked a cluster of 1,947 illnesses across nine states to Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce. However, a Taylor Farms spokesperson stated there are no confirmed positive results for Cyclospora in product tests as of July 24, 2026.
We are dedicated to promoting health through fresh produce, and our food safety is crucial. We invest over $200 million annually in our food safety protocols, which are independently audited and verified.
Taylor Farms has taken action by removing potentially implicated products from the market and widening the recall of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. The company paused production at its central Mexico facility since July 18 for safety reviews.
The FDA is also investigating another cyclospora outbreak, though the source remains unidentified. Lettuce, parsley, and cilantro are primary suspects.
‘Avoid Bagged Salad’
Despite Taylor Farms recalling shredded iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico, Mayne urges you to avoid bagged salads. She describes the outbreak as unprecedented, highlighting that minimal contamination can spread widely through packaged salads.
This incident calls attention to federal efforts to monitor foodborne illnesses. Mayne emphasizes that food safety initiatives have faced resource shortages for decades. In 2025, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet, curtailed some programs tracking foodborne infections, including those caused by cyclospora. Although the Department of Health and Human Services claimed only redundant programs were cut, Mayne argues that budget cuts affected key areas.
Understanding Cyclospora
The microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis leads to an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Infection occurs after consuming contaminated food or water, particularly produce exposed to fecal matter. Factors contributing to contamination include inadequate bathroom or hand-washing facilities. Contaminated water can stem from sources like sewage.
Cyclosporiasis often causes prolonged diarrhea and other symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue. Symptoms might appear two weeks post-exposure and last for weeks or months if untreated. The infection is usually treated with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, known as Bactrim. While most recover fully, severe dehydration may occur, especially in vulnerable groups.
Cyclosporiasis is not typically spread directly from person to person, as the parasite needs time in the environment before becoming infectious. This characteristic complicates outbreak tracing and containment efforts.