Ministry of Agriculture strengthens monitoring of Cyclosporiasis Outbreak in USA

Jamaica's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining says it is monitoring reports from official United States public health authorities regarding an ongoing multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Its symptoms include frequent and sometimes sudden bowel movements, known as explosive diarrhoea.

According to reports, several illnesses have been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce distributed through a commercial supply chain. In addition, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall notice for a specific brand of shredded iceberg lettuce due to suspected Cyclospora contamination and has expanded traceback investigations, product sampling, and border screening activities as part of the ongoing investigation.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, as of July 18, 2026, the outbreak remains active and under investigation by the CDC and the FDA. As of July 18, 2026, the CDC has reported 1,644 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, including 94 hospitalisations.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, through its Plant Quarantine and Produce Inspection Branch (PQPIB), regulates the importation of plants and plant products into Jamaica. The agency has been closely monitoring the ongoing situation relating to the cyclosporiasis outbreak in the United States to safeguard Jamaican consumers.

“This is necessary because Jamaica permits the importation of a variety of plant products, including fruits and vegetables, for both the domestic market and the hotel and hospitality sector,” the agriculture ministry explained in a press release.

It continued to state that, “Given the uncertainties surrounding the ongoing outbreak in the United States and pending further information from US authorities and the completion of the traceback investigation, the PQPIB has strengthened its monitoring of imports of plant products that may pose a potential risk of Cyclospora contamination.”

At present, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Consumer Affairs Commission, the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority, the Jamaica Customs Agency, and other relevant regulatory entities, to improve surveillance at Jamaica's ports of entry for products identified in FDA recalls or food safety advisories.

The PQPIB is also reviewing all consignments of imported iceberg lettuce, other leafy vegetables and fruits originating in or transiting through the United States to verify the validity of traceability documentation and compliance with Jamaica's import requirements.

“The ministry will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide timely updates should additional public health measures become necessary. Members of the public are encouraged to follow official food safety communications issued by the CDC, the FDA, and the Ministry for the latest information on product investigations and recall,” the release concluded.

- JS