RFK Jr. Declares Cyclospora Outbreak Under Control

Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on July 21, 2026, that the ongoing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, is "under control." This statement follows a significant reversal by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding a recall of shredded iceberg lettuce across 27 states. The FDA initially prompted the recall due to concerns over potential contamination, but later described the reported product as a "false positive."

Despite Kennedy's assertion, health experts have warned that infections are likely to continue rising. The cyclospora parasite typically causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including watery and explosive diarrhea, and is often linked to contaminated produce. The identification of the source of the current outbreak has been confirmed by the health secretary, though the specific source has not been publicly detailed.

The FDA's decision to reverse the recall has drawn attention, particularly given the ongoing nature of the outbreak and expert concerns about its potential spread. The agency's classification of the initial finding as a "false positive" raises questions about the testing protocols and the initial alert that led to the widespread recall of the shredded lettuce product. Further details on the investigation into the outbreak's origins and the FDA's revised assessment are anticipated.