Sysco shifts lettuce sourcing as Cyclospora outbreak investigation continues across multiple states.
Sysco, the largest food distributor in the United States, has stopped buying iceberg lettuce from Mexico while federal health officials continue looking into a widespread Cyclospora outbreak now impacting many states that has been linked to lettuce products. The decision comes as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue examining illnesses reported in several states. The company’s chief executive officer, Kevin Hourican, said Sysco has already stopped selling and shipping the Mexican iceberg lettuce. The company also removed products from its supply chain before Taylor Farms announced its own voluntary recall.
The outbreak has drawn national attention after two deaths in Michigan were connected to the illnesses. State health officials reported that more than 11,000 people have become sick during the outbreak. Investigators believe lettuce or mixed salad greens may be responsible, although they have not ruled out other foods. Officials also said no single grower, supplier, or type of produce has been confirmed as the source.
Federal investigators have traced part of the suspect food to iceberg lettuce from central Mexico that moved through Taylor Farms de Mexico. Taylor Farms’ U.S. business voluntarily recalled certain iceberg lettuce products sold under the Taylor Fresh Foods and Marketside brands. Taylor Farms has questioned part of the government’s findings. Company representatives said the FDA has not confirmed the presence of Cyclospora through a positive test and stated that an earlier positive result reported by the agency was incorrect. Even with that disagreement, the recall remains in place while the investigation continues.
Hourican said Sysco made changes because protecting customers comes first. He described Taylor Farms as a trusted supplier of Mexican iceberg lettuce with a strong reputation but said the company still needed to adjust where it gets lettuce. Since Taylor Farms supplies a large share of the market, replacing those products cannot happen all at once. Sysco is now working with other suppliers while also looking at additional sources for future purchases. The company also confirmed it is no longer buying Mexican iceberg lettuce. Instead, it has shifted purchases to farms in the United States to help reduce possible risks while the investigation continues.
Cyclospora is a parasite that causes an intestinal infection known as cyclosporiasis. According to the CDC, people infected with the parasite often develop watery diarrhea that may continue for weeks or even months if it is not treated. Many patients also report stomach pain, bloating, nausea, tiredness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. The illness spreads through contaminated food or water. Although the outbreak has resulted in thousands of illnesses, health officials said deaths from Cyclospora are uncommon in the U.S. Michigan health officials reported that both people who died had serious medical conditions before becoming infected. Dehydration and other complications related to the illness may have worsened those existing health problems and vulnerable populations including children and the elderly need to take extra precautions to avoid the infection as well.
The investigation remains active, and federal agencies continue collecting information to determine exactly how the contamination occurred. Officials are studying food records, supply chains, and other evidence to narrow the possible source. Until that work is complete, they continue urging consumers and food businesses to follow recall notices and avoid eating recalled products.
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Two Michigan deaths deepen cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell lettuce
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