Mexico Clears Taylor Farms Lettuce in Cyclospora Probe

The Mexican government reported that laboratory analyses of iceberg lettuce and water samples collected at Taylor Farms de M3xico found no presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis, the parasite responsible for cyclosporiasis, or fecal coliforms. The results come after US health authorities linked a multistate outbreak of the intestinal disease to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants.

The tests were conducted by the National Reference Laboratory of the Analytical Control and Coverage Expansion Commission (CCAyAC) and the State Public Health Laboratory of Guanajuato. According to the government, all samples met Mexico's microbiological and physicochemical standards.

Between July 18 and July 20, Mexico's Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) carried out a sanitary inspection of Taylor Farms' facility in Guanajuato, in coordination with epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health's General Directorate of Epidemiology and food safety specialists from the National Service for Agri-Food Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA).

Inspectors collected 10 iceberg lettuce samples, including five whole heads and five finished products consisting of chopped, washed and disinfected lettuce, as well as four water samples for microbiological and physicochemical analysis. The lettuce samples were analyzed using real-time PCR molecular testing at COFEPRIS' National Reference Laboratory.

Authorities said the company demonstrated process controls throughout its production chain and implemented food safety management systems based on international recommendations. Inspectors also confirmed that irrigation is supplied through a drip system and that the facility uses water from certified private wells.

The inspection found that Taylor Farms maintains a product and raw material traceability system that enabled US authorities to identify the origin of the lettuce and trace a shipment detained at the Laredo, Texas, border crossing. According to Mexican authorities, the shipment never entered the United States, and the sample taken from that lot later produced what the FDA identified as a false positive for Cyclospora.

SENASICA also contacted lettuce growers supplying the facility. Although the producers already hold food safety certifications, the agency encouraged them to obtain certification under Mexico's Contamination Risk Reduction Systems (SRRC) program. Inspectors additionally found no diarrheal disease outbreaks or health issues among plant workers that would require intervention by health authorities.

The findings come as Mexican and US authorities continue collaborating through an interinstitutional technical group established by COFEPRIS and SENASICA after the outbreak emerged. Mexican agencies said inspections, traceability analyses and laboratory testing have been conducted through continuous technical information exchange with the FDA to mitigate any public health risks.

"The actions undertaken in the country, including inspections and traceability analyses, are carried out through continuous technical information exchange with the FDA to mitigate any health risks," the agencies said.

Mexico's Ministry of Health added that the country has a verification system that protects both domestic food consumption and exports and will continue working to protect public health through interdisciplinary and interinstitutional actions based on scientific evidence and in strict compliance with national and international food safety standards.

Despite the negative laboratory results, Taylor Farms temporarily closed its Mexican facility after US authorities linked the company to the outbreak investigation. The FDA previously identified the company as the only supplier of iceberg lettuce to Taco Bell restaurants associated with the cases but later acknowledged that its initial positive laboratory result was false. The agency has continued investigating other potential sources of contamination while removing the suspected lettuce from the market.

The outbreak has affected more than 400 people across Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, prompting Mexico's Ministry of Health to issue a travel advisory on July 16 for Mexicans planning to visit the United States. According to US authorities, illnesses began between May 13 and July 13, with hundreds of infections associated with Taco Bell restaurants. 

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by Cyclospora cayetanensis. The parasite is shed in the feces of infected individuals and can contaminate food or water, leading to gastrointestinal illness when consumed.