US health authorities have issued a public health alert after detecting the Cyclospora parasite in a sample of imported chopped iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, amid an outbreak that has sickened thousands of people across the United States.
According to foreign media reports, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the contaminated sample was collected during a targeted surveillance programme.
The affected batch was immediately withheld from distribution after testing confirmed the presence of the parasite, which causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness transmitted through contaminated food or water.Iceberg lettuce is widely used in burgers, sandwiches and salads.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA have linked the outbreak to chopped iceberg lettuce served at restaurants in several US states.
The FDA said the contaminated sample is not part of Taylor Farms’ current voluntary recall, but the company is investigating whether products from the affected batch remain on the market or in consumers’ homes.
Earlier, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled selected lettuce products over concerns about possible contamination.
The company has not issued any further statement regarding the latest findings.US health officials said nearly 100 people have been hospitalised during the outbreak.
However, no deaths have been reported so far.The FDA said the investigation remains ongoing and advised consumers not to eat any suspected lettuce products and to follow official guidance until the inquiry is complete.
Read also: Saudi Arabia Unveils Major Upgrade to Umrah Services
