Key facts
- 40% of Americans are buying or eating less produce due to a Cyclospora outbreak.
- 61% of respondents are following news about the Cyclospora outbreak.
- The outbreak has been linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms.
- 1,947 people across nine states have been sickened by the outbreak.
- Confidence in the FDA's ability to handle the food safety issue is mixed.
A significant portion of Americans are altering their food shopping habits due to concerns over a Cyclospora outbreak, according to a CBS News/YouGov poll. Forty percent of respondents reported buying or eating less fresh produce, with women and older individuals being more inclined to do so. The outbreak has captured public attention, with many following the news closely. Confidence in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) ability to manage the situation is divided, and political affiliation appears to influence these perceptions, with Republicans showing more confidence than Democrats. The primary outbreak has been linked to recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, affecting at least 1,947 people across nine states and leading to 98 hospitalizations. The CDC is also monitoring other unrelated Cyclospora outbreaks nationwide. The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically infects the small intestine and is contracted through contaminated food or water, often fresh produce exposed to poor sanitation.