Key facts
- A Cyclospora outbreak has caused 40% of Americans to avoid fruits and vegetables.
- Former FDA officials have described the government's handling of the outbreak as "catastrophic" and "mismanaged."
- Critics suggest that when the Trump administration declares a crisis "under control," it often worsens.
- Consumers are reportedly opting for processed foods over produce due to food safety concerns.
- The current outbreak is more than double the typical number of cases seen in recent years.
A significant outbreak of Cyclospora has led to widespread avoidance of fruits and vegetables, with reports indicating that 40% of Americans are now steering clear of these food groups. Critics and former officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have voiced strong concerns about the government's management of the situation, with some labeling it "catastrophic" and "mismanaged."
Frank Yiannas, who previously served in the FDA, has publicly called for an independent investigation into the federal government's handling of the Cyclospora outbreaks. He noted the extreme size of the current outbreak, which has more than doubled the typical number of cases seen in recent years, and pointed to mixed messaging and a perceived lack of strong federal leadership as examples of mismanagement.
Susan Mayne, former director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, described the outbreak as a "wake-up call" regarding the link between food safety and nutrition. She observed a trend of consumers turning to processed foods, such as pizza, chips, and cookies, which they perceive as safer than fresh produce. Mayne emphasized that consumers should not have to choose between nutrition and food safety, stating that "real foods" are vulnerable to pathogens.