Michigan health officials announced Thursday that residents can resume their regular consumption of lettuce and salad greens, signaling a significant downturn in a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak. The advisory was lifted as new cases and related emergency department visits have declined, with most exposures occurring in late June or early July.

This development comes after an outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell restaurants, which was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico. The outbreak had prompted health warnings and voluntary recalls, impacting multiple states. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) stated that the majority of contaminated produce is likely no longer available for consumption.

Taylor Farms had previously issued a voluntary recall for all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Taco Bell also confirmed it ceased using lettuce from that specific supplier at all its locations. The MDHHS noted that the recommendation to avoid bagged salad mixes is no longer in effect.

"Since the start of this outbreak, MDHHS has remained committed to providing timely, transparent information and clear recommendations to Michigan residents," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. "As new data has emerged, our guidance has evolved to reflect the best available evidence, helping ensure that prevention recommendations are accurate, actionable and responsive to the changing situation."

Michigan has experienced a substantial number of cases related to this outbreak. Health department data indicates over 12,400 cases since June, resulting in 279 hospitalizations and two deaths. The decline in new infections and emergency room visits suggests the outbreak has largely subsided.

Residents are advised to continue practicing good food safety habits, including rinsing fruits and vegetables, washing hands frequently, and sanitizing surfaces. They should also avoid any food products that remain under recall.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring other cyclosporiasis outbreaks nationally that are not connected to this specific nine-state incident. Nationally, since May 1, over 22,000 cases have been reported across 47 states. The CDC data shows at least 10,468 laboratory-confirmed cases, with 423 hospitalizations, and an additional 12,255 cases that are unconfirmed or under investigation.

The lifting of the advisory by Michigan health officials offers reassurance to consumers and the food industry, indicating that measures taken have been effective in controlling the spread of the pathogen. Further updates on national trends will likely be provided by the CDC as investigations continue.