The U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that a previous false positive test result for cyclospora in Taylor Farms lettuce does not alter its ongoing investigation into the outbreak.

Despite the false positive, the FDA emphasized that its data continues to point to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico as the likely source.Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce from the region after it was linked to a major cyclosporiasis outbreak.

The CDC identified lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants as a potential source, though the outbreak has spread to 34 states, affecting over 1,600 people.Testing for cyclospora is more complex than for other pathogens like E.coli, making false positives more common.Experts criticized the FDA for announcing a presumptive positive result before confirmatory tests were complete.Walmart and Taco Bell also took action, removing affected products from stores and restaurants.While the CDC's case count lags behind state reports, no deaths have been reported.Cyclosporiasis, caused by the cyclospora parasite, typically occurs in summer and is often linked to bagged salads and fresh produce.