Mexico has strongly rejected claims that lettuce grown in the country was responsible for a recent parasitic illness outbreak in the United States, saying there is no conclusive scientific evidence linking Mexican lettuce exports to the infections. Health Minister David Kershenobich said Mexican authorities have conducted their own investigations and found no evidence proving that lettuce produced in Mexico caused the outbreak.
The statement follows an announcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that its investigation identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico as the most likely source of a multistate Cyclospora outbreak. The parasite has sickened thousands of people across the United States and led to about 100 hospitalizations, with many cases linked to meals served at Taco Bell restaurants in several states.
Mexican officials said food safety agencies, including Cofepris and Senasica, are inspecting farms, reviewing agricultural practices, testing irrigation water, and tracing lettuce shipments from the Guanajuato region. Authorities stressed that none of their inspections have confirmed contamination at the production level and pledged full cooperation with U.S. investigators to determine the actual source of the outbreak.
The FDA has acknowledged that one laboratory test initially suggesting contamination later turned out to be a false positive. However, the agency maintains that epidemiological evidence—including patient interviews, purchase records, and food-tracing data—continues to indicate a strong link between the outbreak and the recalled lettuce. Investigators are still working to determine exactly how the parasite entered the food supply.
The dispute comes as Mexico remains one of the largest exporters of fresh vegetables to the United States, with lettuce accounting for a significant share of cross-border agricultural trade. Mexican officials warned that unsupported claims could damage consumer confidence and harm farmers and exporters, while both countries continue to collaborate to strengthen food safety measures and prevent future outbreaks.