Michigan eases lettuce advice as state health department says cyclosporiasis reports decline
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FILE PHOTO: Lettuce is displayed for sale, amid reports of slumping consumer confidence in lettuce and other fresh produce during the current cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands across the U.S., at a grocery store in Washington, D.C., U.S.
By Sneha S K
Aug 6 (Reuters) - Michigan health officials on Thursday advised residents to resume eating lettuce and salad greens, citing a slowdown in new cyclosporiasis infections, after reporting 12,485 cases linked to the outbreak, up 267 cases from a day earlier.
The worst of the outbreak has occurred in Michigan, which reported the first two deaths associated with the outbreak, saying both individuals had significant underlying health conditions.
The outbreak in Michigan has resulted in 279 hospitalizations as of August 6, according to the state health department's latest update.
"After reporting 12,485 cases of cyclosporiasis in Michigan since June 2026, the data now suggest that new cyclosporiasis case reports are slowing, including a downward trend in diarrhea-related emergency department visits," the state health department said in a statement.
Cases of the intestinal infection caused by the cyclospora parasite, which can cause diarrhea, nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms, have climbed to record levels this year, with the current outbreak among the largest caused by foodborne illness in recent U.S. history.
The state health department lifted its broad precautionary recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes, saying residents may resume normal food handling practices and make choices based on their individual risk tolerance.
"The guidance is sufficient...there is very little risk of consuming iceberg lettuce in the state of Michigan and the surrounding area because the implicated lettuce has either been consumed or discarded," said Donald Schaffner, professor and extension specialist in food science at Rutgers University.
Data suggest that most exposures occurred in late June to early July and the majority of the contaminated produce is likely no longer available for consumption, the Michigan Department of Health said.
In outbreaks linked to fresh produce, the recall often involves products that are no longer on the market, given their short shelf life, he added.
An FDA investigation has linked the multistate outbreak, which has spread to 15 states, to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants and sourced from privately held Taylor Farms operations in central Mexico, but authorities are still looking for other potential sources.
The Michigan health department continues to recommend avoiding recalled lettuce.
Consumers in the U.S. have been steering clear of some restaurant chains and buying less lettuce in grocery stores as a multistate outbreak of a parasitic disease has fueled confusion over what is safe to eat.
(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole, Sneha S K and Christy Santhosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Shreya Biswas)
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