RFK Jr. says cyclospora outbreak is 'under control

RFK Jr. Says cyclospora outbreak is 'under control'

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Stated Tuesday, July 21, 2026, that federal officials have brought a multistate cyclospora outbreak under control. Speaking during a briefing on healthcare fraud in Washington, Kennedy said that epidemiological and extensive forensics allowed investigators to identify the source of the parasite and implement recalls.

The outbreak has sickened 1,644 people and resulted in 94 hospitalizations across West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Indiana. Cyclospora is a parasite that can lead to nausea, fatigue, stomach cramps, and prolonged diarrhea, and some patients require hospitalization according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants. This lettuce was sourced from central Mexico and supplied by Taylor Farms. In response, Taylor Fresh Foods voluntarily recalled dozens of lettuce products across 27 states on July 17. The company stated it will not source iceberg lettuce from central Mexico for the remainder of the growing season. Taylor Fresh Foods clarified that the recall was limited to lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico and did not include retail Taylor Farms-branded salad products.

Confusion emerged over the weekend regarding laboratory results. The FDA initially indicated a Taylor Farms lettuce sample not included in the recall had tested positive for cyclospora. However, the agency later clarified that a re-review of the sample determined the result was a false positive. Taylor Farms stated on Sunday that the FDA had made a mistake.

While the Taco Bell connection was identified, the FDA is still investigating the precise source of the contamination and continues to collect product samples. No other sources have been identified for domestically-acquired infections reported in 29 other states, and no product samples in the current investigation have produced a confirmed positive result for the parasite.

Kennedy used the Tuesday briefing to reject accusations that changes to federal surveillance programs hindered the government's response. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., previously criticized Kennedy in a letter, accusing the administration of undermining food safety and describing the removal of certain programs as a foolish and self-indulgent demolition.

The dispute centers on the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet. According to the CDC, the network previously monitored foodborne illnesses across 10 states, representing 16% of the U.S. Population. However, starting July 1, 2025, reporting became optional for all pathogens except Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli and Salmonella. This meant the CDC no longer required reporting for the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis.

Critics and experts argue this shift made it more difficult to contain the outbreak and identify the parasite's origin. Kennedy called these criticisms invalid, asserting that the administration did not cut the surveillance program itself.

"We did cuts in the FoodNet program, but they were for redundant surveillance, and all the states will tell you that we're still doing forensics,"

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., HHS Secretary, via Fox News

Kennedy maintained that surveillance efforts continue nationwide. Meanwhile, the CDC continues to work with local and federal health partners to investigate remaining cases.