Parasitic outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce is over: CDC
A parasitic outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has been declared over, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday.
A total of 12,883 cases of cyclosporiasis were reported, including 570 hospitalizations across 21 states, according to CDC data.
Two deaths were reported in Michigan, both among people who had "significant underlying health conditions," according to state officials at the time.
The outbreak was believed to be the nation's largest ever tied to the parasite known as cyclospora.
"At this time, there is no risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this source," the CDC said in update posted to its website on Friday. "The best-by dates for all product linked to this outbreak have passed and it is no longer available in stores or restaurants."
However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its investigation into how the outbreak occurred is ongoing
In mid-July, the FDA and CDC said some cases were linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations.
The lettuce at Taco Bell was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico. On July 17, Taylor Farms de Mexico issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, with the recall affecting more than two dozen states.
Taco Bell said around the same time that it was no longer using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico at any of its restaurants.
Federal health officials have previously said that although many cases were linked to Taco Bell it is possible there are other potential sources in the outbreak -- something officials continue to investigate.
The FDA said on Friday that samples taken at the Taylor Farms growing and processing facility in Mexico are pending analysis.
"FDA's onsite inspections and sample collection at iceberg lettuce growers and the processing facility in Mexico, in coordination with Mexican officials, have ended," the release said.
