The Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has ended, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency said recent infections associated with the multistate event declined significantly.
CDC said the contaminated lettuce is no longer available in stores or restaurants and designated its September 11 notice as the final update. The Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate how the contamination occurred.
Cyclospora Outbreak Ends While FDA Investigation Continues
Restaurant operators whose shares had reacted to earlier updates included Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM), Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG), Cava Group (NYSE: CAVA) and Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG). The end of the event reduces an immediate uncertainty, although it does not determine the companies’ broader sales trends.
The CDC’s official food safety alert contains the final public-health update. Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause intestinal illness, and consumers should continue to follow routine produce-handling guidance.
The conclusion of the Cyclospora outbreak indicates that the immediate infection trend has subsided and implicated inventory has left distribution channels. Regulators may provide additional information if the FDA investigation identifies the source or supply-chain conditions behind the contamination.
