“We do have the outbreak under control,” Kennedy said. “We have done extensive epidemiological forensics, and we’ve identified the source of the outbreak. We and the companies that have been involved have implemented a recall.”Kennedy’s comments come as critics question whether cuts to the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, known as FoodNet, have weakened the nation’s ability to detect and track foodborne illnesses. FoodNet historically monitored eight major food-borne pathogens, including Cyclospora cayetanensis, the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis. Last year, the Food and Drug Administration narrowed its routine surveillance to just two pathogens: Salmonella and E. coli. State surveillance could continue however, which is why Kennedy said the cuts are not to be blamed.
“We did cuts in the food net program, but they were for redundant surveillance. And all the states will tell you that we’re still doing forensics. We’re still doing surveillance in all the states,” Kennedy said.Last week, the FDA said it had linked the outbreak to produce supplier Taylor Farms. However, the agency rescinded the mass recall effort on Sunday after determining the laboratory finding was a false positive.“Due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive,” the FDA said in an updated statement Sunday evening.Investigators have also been examining Taco Bell, which sources lettuce from Taylor Farms, in connection with the outbreak. Officials last week identified potentially affected Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
