NJ Parasite Outbreak Update: False Positive Revealed By FDA

One of the FDA's clearest leads in the investigation into the source of the cyclosporiasis parasite that has sickened 46 people from New Jersey this summer was a false positive, officials said Monday morning.

Taylor Fresh Foods, a brand that produces lettuce for Taco Bell and numerous grocery stores, had launched a recall of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico based on the initial FBI testing. That recall remains in effect.

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"Today, we were informed that FDA made a mistake, and this was a false positive," Taylor Fresh Foods said in a statement. "To be clear, at this moment, FDA has not identified a single positive product test result for cyclospora."

However, traceback evidence from numerous cases still links the parasite to both Taylor Fresh Foods and Taco Bell in multiple states, the FDA said.

There are 111 Taco Bell locations in New Jersey. The recall from Taylor Fresh Foods covered 27 states, including New Jersey.

Taco Bell said on July 17 that it would no longer use lettuce made by Taylor.

The FDA is continuing to investigate the suspected link of the parasite to Taylor Fresh Foods. The false positive was simply the clearest evidence yet. The traceback efforts found large patterns in sick individuals that connected them to Taylor's iceberg lettuce.

The mistake in the laboratory testing was caused by the complexities and unique challenges involved in identifying cyclosporiasis, officials said.

"FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive," the agency wrote in an update on Monday.

Taylor Farms says they are continuing to work with the FDA on the ongoing investigation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 1,645 U.S. cases, along with hundreds of travel-related infections, while state health departments have collectively reported more than 7,000 cases since May 1.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness known as cyclosporiasis. Symptoms typically begin about a week after infection and can include:

• Frequent, watery diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever

The illness is spread through contaminated food or water, not directly from person to person. Most people recover with antibiotic treatment, though symptoms can last for weeks if left untreated.

With reporting from Patch correspondent Justin Heinze.