26.07.2026 22:20
A parasite outbreak in the US, spreading across 9 states and causing diarrhea in about 2,000 people, has sparked a crisis between Washington and Mexico City. US President Donald Trump, who blamed iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico for the outbreak, announced that they would impose additional customs duties on their neighbor, passing the bill to them. While Mexico denies the allegations, citing a lack of concrete evidence, the FDA is recalling the products.
The outbreak caused by the Cyclospora parasite, associated with lettuce products in the USA, has changed the country's agenda. Speaking about the outbreak that spread to 9 states and affected nearly 2,000 people, US President Donald Trump blamed Mexico and announced that they would impose additional customs duties on imported lettuce.
A NEW TRADE CRISIS WITH THE NEIGHBORING COUNTRY
The diarrhea outbreak caused by the rapidly spreading Cyclospora parasite in the USA has ignited a new trade crisis between Washington and Mexico City. US President Donald Trump, answering reporters' questions at the White House, targeted products of Mexican origin shown to be at the center of the outbreak, saying, "We will impose a large customs duty on Mexico's lettuce."
THE OUTBREAK SPREAD TO 9 STATES
The toll is worsening in the joint investigation conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the latest data released, the outbreak has so far affected 9 states. While 1,947 confirmed cases have been identified in tests, at least 98 people have been hospitalized. Health officials reported that no deaths have occurred due to the parasite, which causes severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, and long-term intestinal problems.
SUSPICIONS ON MEXICAN LETTUCE
The FDA's retrospective reviews of the supply chain have turned the spotlight on Mexico. It was stated that the source of the outbreak may be shredded iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico's Guanajuato region. Following this development, the producer company Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily initiated a recall process for these products in the US market as a precaution. However, the FDA emphasized that the investigation has not yet been completed and a final conclusion has not been reached.
MEXICO DENIES ALLEGATIONS: NO CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE
Mexico's response to the accusations from the USA and Trump's tariff threat was not delayed. Mexican Health Minister David Kershenobich argued that there is no conclusive evidence that the outbreak originated from lettuce exported from their country. Despite this, Kershenobich announced that extensive traceability and inspection efforts have been initiated at production facilities in the Guanajuato region against potential risks.