Former FDA official criticizes cyclospora response as near ‘catastrophic’
10 reported1 conflicting
A former top food safety official under Donald Trump and Joe Biden has criticized the federal government's handling of a cyclospora outbreak that has sickened thousands in the US. Frank Yiannas, who served as deputy commissioner for food policy at the FDA from 2018 to 2023, told Politico the response has been mismanaged on multiple fronts and is approaching a "catastrophic level." Yiannas cited widespread public confusion about the illness, a lack of strong federal leadership, and mixed messages from agencies. The FDA initially identified lettuce from Taylor Farms as linked to the outbreak but later backtracked, though the agency still says there is strong evidence connecting the supplier. Taylor Farms has stated the FDA apologized for the error, a claim the FDA denies. Yiannas called for an independent review of the response, either through congressional oversight or an independent inspector.
What’s reported
Frank Yiannas was deputy commissioner for food policy at the FDA from 2018 to 2023, serving under both Trump and Biden.
Yiannas told Politico the cyclospora response has been mismanaged on multiple fronts and is approaching a "catastrophic level."
More than 4,000 people in the US have been sickened by cyclospora, with thousands more thought to be affected.
The FDA identified lettuce from Taylor Farms as linked to the outbreak but later backtracked.
Taylor Farms said the FDA apologized to the company; the FDA has denied this.
The FDA still maintains strong evidence connecting Taylor Farms to the outbreak.
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr said last week the outbreak was "under control," even as the FDA expanded its investigation into 7,400 potential cases across nine states.
Yiannas said the FDA "went too fast and made a mistake" and should share how and why it happened.
Yiannas called for an independent review with congressional oversight or via an independent inspector.
The FDA has not immediately responded to the call for an investigation.
Conflicting accounts
The article reports that Taylor Farms stated the FDA apologized to the company for identifying its lettuce as linked to the outbreak, but the FDA has denied making such an apology.
Key figures
Frank Yiannas, former deputy commissioner for food policy at the FDA (2018-2023)
Robert F Kennedy Jr, US health secretary
Taylor Farms (company, no specific individual named)
Sources: The Guardian
