Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday that the multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting at least 1,600 people across five states is now "under control." This marks one of the first public comments from Kennedy on the parasitic intestinal illness since federal health agencies began investigating.

Kennedy confirmed that extensive epidemiological investigations have identified the source of the outbreak. He further stated that the companies involved have implemented a recall of affected products, indicating a significant step towards containment. The illness has caused widespread concern, prompting federal and local health partners to collaborate on the response.

Federal health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations. The implicated lettuce was supplied by Taylor Farms and traced back to a source in central Mexico. Taylor Farms has since voluntarily recalled dozens of its lettuce products distributed across 27 states and has announced it will cease sourcing iceberg lettuce from central Mexico for the remainder of the current growing season.

While an initial FDA test on a Taylor Farms lettuce sample yielded a positive result for the parasite, the agency later clarified it was a false positive after a re-evaluation of the data. Taylor Farms issued a statement noting the FDA's error. Health officials, however, continue to investigate other potential sources for the infections reported in 29 other states, though no other sources have been identified for these domestically acquired cases.

The federal response has drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Senator Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., has voiced concerns, accusing Secretary Kennedy of potentially undermining food safety measures. In a recent letter to Kennedy, Ossoff highlighted changes to the CDC's food safety surveillance programs, specifically the discontinuation of mandatory reporting for cyclosporiasis by the FoodNet system.

According to the CDC, mandatory reporting for the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis ended last year as part of broader changes. Starting July 1, 2025, reporting became optional for most pathogens, with the exception of Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. The FoodNet system previously monitored a range of foodborne illnesses across 10 states, covering a significant portion of the U.S. population.

Despite these changes in surveillance, doctors are still required to report cases to their respective state health departments. These reports are then aggregated into national databases. The ongoing investigation aims to ensure all avenues are explored to prevent future outbreaks and address the current public health concern comprehensively.

Officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are working to provide clear guidance to the public. The recall of affected products and the identification of the primary source are considered critical steps in mitigating the impact of this cyclosporiasis outbreak.