Updated
Updated · The Boston Globe · Aug 7
Massachusetts Reports 104 July Cyclosporiasis Cases as Mexican Lettuce Outbreak Clouds Produce Safety
Updated
Updated · The Boston Globe · Aug 7

Massachusetts Reports 104 July Cyclosporiasis Cases as Mexican Lettuce Outbreak Clouds Produce Safety

3 articles · Updated · The Boston Globe · Aug 7

Summary

  • 104 Massachusetts cases were reported in July as a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak tied by federal officials to iceberg lettuce from Mexico sickened thousands and left two people dead in Michigan.
  • Taylor Farms recalled lettuce sourced from central Mexico last month, but experts said investigators have not definitively pinned the outbreak on one distributor and have not ruled out other producers or produce items.
  • Two-week symptom delays and a long, hard-to-trace produce supply chain mean case counts could keep rising even after recalls, with experts saying a firm source identification may still take weeks.
  • Raw bagged lettuce and mixed greens drew the most caution, while experts urged shoppers to follow recall notices, avoid products without clear sourcing, and favor cooked vegetables or shorter local supply chains.

Insights

With thousands sickened and supply chains hiding the source, could your favorite fast-food taco be carrying a hidden two-week illness?
Why does washing your store-bought lettuce fail to protect you from the deadly parasite currently sweeping across 15 states?
If negative tests cannot rule out this explosive infection, how do you know if your summer salad is secretly making you sick?