Salads at Olive Garden and Red Lobster Caused Cyclosporiasis

New evidence on outbreak
The FDA investigation has confirmed that the salad mix identified by Iowa and Nebraska as being linked to the outbreak of cyclosporiasis in those states was supplied to restaurants in those states by Taylor Farms  a processor of food service salads. These salads were not sold retail at grocery stores  The restaurants in Iowa and Nebraska include Olive Garden and Red Lobster,

The Salad greens were grown by Taylor Farms in Mexico. They  have  been cooperating with all FDA requests during the investigation.  The FDA and the firm will be checking out  the firm's processing facility in Mexico, to try to learn the cause of the outbreak and identify preventive controls to try and prevent a recurrence. The most recent inspection, in 2011, of the processing facility of Taylor Farms. conducted by FDA found no notable issues.  Additionally, as a result of the current investigation FDA is increasing its surveillance efforts on green leafy products exported to the U.S. from Mexico. 

Mexican food regulatory authorities are also collaborating with FDA in the investigation of this outbreak.

The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services have announced that they believe the contaminated salad is no longer in the food supply in those states.  The last date that someone reportedly became ill with cyclosporiasis in Iowa was on July 1, and in Nebraska on July 2.  The typical shelf life for a salad mix is up to 14 days.

As of August 1, 2013, CDC has been notified of more than 400 cases of Cyclospora infection from the following 17 health departments: Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, New York City,  and Ohio.  It is not yet clear whether the cases reported from other states are all part of the same outbreak. The investigation of increased cases of cyclosporiasis in other states continues.    

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite composed of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope. This parasite causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis.

Cyclospora is acquired by people ingesting something - such as food or water - that was contaminated with the parasite.  Cyclospora needs time (days to weeks) after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious for another person. Therefore, it is unlikely that Cyclospora is passed directly from one person to another.

The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week. Cyclospora infects the small intestine (bowel) and usually causes watery diarrhea, with frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue. Vomiting, body aches, headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms may be noted. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms.  If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse). It’s common to feel very tired.

Consumers should always practice safe food handling and preparation measures. Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling food.  Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed before it is eaten.