Health Officials Investigate Lettuce as Source of Diarrhea Illness
Health officials in Michigan are examining a potential link between lettuce or salad greens and a parasitic illness. Cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in multiple states. (sources: today, newsnationnow, thehill, nbcnews)
Health officials have identified lettuce or salad greens as a possible source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan. The parasite has been reported in at least 31 states.
- Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Health officials are investigating the link between the outbreak and salad greens.
- Cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in at least 31 states.
Why it matters
Understanding the source of the outbreak is important for public health and preventing further cases.
↓ Congress can act on this
5 bills on this issue are moving right now — and the most active one is HR852: Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025.
HR852 · 119th Congress
Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025
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About this bill
What HR852 actually does
This story is about Cyclospora, the 'Explosive Diarrhea' Parasite, Cases Reported in at Least 31 States: See the Map. This bill would let FDA require reasonable access for microbial sampling when needed to investigate a foodborne-illness outbreak.
If passed, it would:
- let FDA require reasonable access for microbial sampling when needed to investigate a foodborne-illness outbreak • require sharing collected sampling data with USDA and state/federal public-health agencies.
4 other bills moving on this issue
Take action on any of them individually.
This story is about Cyclospora, the 'Explosive Diarrhea' Parasite, Cases Reported in at Least 31 States: See the Map. This bill would give FDA authority to request access to conduct microbial sampling needed for outbreak investigation and root-cause.
If passed, it would
- give FDA authority to request access to conduct microbial sampling needed for outbreak investigation and root-cause • impose penalties for refusing reasonable access and require data-sharing with public-health agencies.
This story is about Cyclospora, the 'Explosive Diarrhea' Parasite, Cases Reported in at Least 31 States: See the Map. This bill would clarify FDA authority to assess and collect food-related reinspection and recall fees.
If passed, it would
- clarify FDA authority to assess and collect food-related reinspection and recall fees • raise available fee caps, potentially supporting more follow-up enforcement after contamination events.
This story is about Cyclospora, the 'Explosive Diarrhea' Parasite, Cases Reported in at Least 31 States: See the Map. This bill would create a standalone Federal Food Administration within HHS focused on food safety and labeling.
If passed, it would
- create a standalone Federal Food Administration within HHS focused on food safety and labeling • concentrate food-safety responsibilities that are now split within FDA, which could improve outbreak response focus.
This story is about Cyclospora, the 'Explosive Diarrhea' Parasite, Cases Reported in at Least 31 States: See the Map. This bill would establish a Federal Food Administration within HHS.
If passed, it would
- establish a Federal Food Administration within HHS • assign that agency a mission that includes ensuring foods are safe, wholesome, sanitary, and properly labeled.
Sources used · 4 sources