The outbreak of cyclospora in Iowa and Nebraska in the US that was linked to a salad mix has been traced back to the Mexican arm of Taylor Farms, North America’s largest supplier of value-added fresh produce to the foodservice industry.
According to a statement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the salads were supplied to Darden-owned restaurants Olive Garden and Red Lobster.
FDA said Taylor Farms de Mexico, which has been fully cooperative, will undergo an environmental assessment by the FDA to try to ascertain the probable cause of the outbreak and identify preventive controls to try and prevent a recurrence.
Additionally, as a result of the current investigation FDA announced it is increasing its surveillance efforts on green leafy products exported to the US from Mexico.
Mexican food regulatory authorities, the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) and the National Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality Service (SENASICA), are also collaborating with FDA in the investigation of this outbreak.
The most recent inspection in 2011 of the processing facility of Taylor Farms de Mexico, conducted by FDA found no notable issues, according to the agency.
Taylor Farms, meanwhile, said its Mexico facility is “state of the art” and has an “exceptional food safety record” from the fields to finished products.
“We care deeply about the health and welfare of our customers and are absolutely committed to ensuring every salad we produce is great tasting, healthy, wholesome and, most importantly, safe,” the company said in a statement on its website.
“This is why Taylor Farms de Mexico assesses and tests all water sources, raw product fields; every lot, every day for any risk to our valued customers’ products. We are redoubling and enhancing our testing and scrutiny in these areas to further assure food safety.”
As of 5 August, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been notified of more than 466 cases of cyclospora infection from 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.
However, it is not yet clear whether the cases reported are all part of the same outbreak. To that end, FDA said the investigation of increased cases of cyclosporiasis in other states continues.
