HealthPublished
US Struggles to Contain Cyclospora Outbreak
A widespread cyclospora outbreak has infected thousands in the US, with 47 states reporting cases and two deaths linked to the parasite. The FDA's delayed response and lack of permanent leadership have raised concerns about food safety in the country. Experts point to the difficulty in tracking parasites like cyclospora, which don't reproduce on surfaces like bacteria. The FDA's Food Center budget has increased since 2006, but progress in implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act has been slow.
At a glance
- The US is experiencing its largest cyclospora outbreak in history, with 47 states reporting cases.
- The FDA's delayed response and lack of permanent leadership have raised concerns about food safety.
- Parasites like cyclospora are difficult to track, as they don't reproduce on surfaces like bacteria.
- The FDA's Food Center budget has increased since 2006, but progress in implementing the Food Safety Modernization Act has been slow.