The recall issued by Taylor Farms led to the withdrawal of iceberg lettuce, which the company distributes in 27 states. But the recall list was vaguefailing to inform consumers of where the lettuce was sold or how consumers could avoid it. The FDA said some of the lettuce was sold at Walmart stores, while media reports said the lettuce also went to Jack in the Box restaurants, food distributors Sysco and US Foods. It was also sold in mixes with romaine lettuce.
It remains unclear whether the new outbreak identified by the FDA on Wednesday is from an entirely different source or is related to this one. The FDA did not say where the cases were identified or how they may be linked. Similarly, it is not clear what potential food sources are being investigated, although the FDA says the investigation is ongoing.
Both the FDA and the Department of Health and Human Services, which houses the CDC, did not immediately respond to Ars Technica’s requests for comment. Other publications, including the New York Times, also reported that the FDA and CDC did not respond to questions about the new outbreak.
Both agencies have been hit hard by budget and staff cuts from the Trump administration. In addition to six Cyclospora In addition to outbreaks this year, the FDA has 10 other open investigations into foodborne illness cases salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium botulinumand Listeria monocytogenes.
