Despite Test Results, the FDA Remains Focused on Lettuce Supplier as Source of Parasite

On Monday, federal health officials said they remain focused on lettuce from Taylor Farms as the source of a multistate outbreak of cyclospora, a diarrhea-causing parasite, despite inaccurate test results that the government briefly publicized over the weekend.

Food and Drug Administration officials (FDA) said a laboratory test incorrectly identified a positive result for cyclospora on a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms. The FDA posted the finding to its website Saturday but then said Sunday the result had been a false positive.

Federal and state authorities have been investigating a rise in cases of the parasite, initially linking the outbreak in five states, including Ohio, to lettuce served at Taco Bell locations. On Saturday, Taylor Farms announced it was recalling 25 shredded lettuce and salad mix products sold under eight different brand codes. The products are used by a number of U.S. food chains and suppliers.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Associated Press.