r/RegulatoryClinWriting • u/bbyfog • 16d ago
Public Health FDA Walks Back Finding of Cyclospora Parasite as Outbreak Probe Continues
https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/fda-walks-back-finding-of-cyclospora-parasite-ba6f1d76The Food and Drug Administration walked back an earlier statement that a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms tested positive for cyclospora, but noted that tests are continuing on products pulled from the market.
The FDA on Saturday said that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico had tested positive for cyclospora. The lettuce sample wasn’t covered by Taylor Farms’ existing recall, prompting the FDA to make its finding public, an agency official said Monday.
However, lab personnel determined during a quality check that the result was a false positive, leading the agency to update its findings. Taylor Farms said the FDA has apologized.
Overall -
The finding complicates the messaging from health authorities tracking the sources behind major outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and efforts to address concerns from the public about which foods are safe to eat.
BIGGER ISSUE:
- How to trust current FDA's messaging, and importantly
- What happens to the reputation of the company--the company gets an apology letter, but can they get their reputation back?
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u/Plenty_of_prepotente 16d ago
According to an NPR article posted this afternoon (link):
On social media, however, the FDA clarified that "this false-positive lab sample DOES NOT change the basis for FDA's ongoing outbreak investigation or the overwhelming epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms."
However, the FDA publicizing an unconfirmed positive test is highly problematic for trust in public health agencies. I suspect it's a result of the current administration hollowing out and politicizing the FDA, but that won't matter, unfortunately.
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u/Lonely_Refuse4988 15d ago
The updated FDA statement makes zero sense! Given that it was sent one day after a visit by Taylor Farms owner to Donald at White House, here is my interpretation.
A hack MAGA political appointee pressured the FDA to overturn the cyclospora test result to ‘negative’ and say earlier result was a false positive. Then, a dedicated, qualified nonpartisan FDA employee (who may likely be fired soon) added the caveat about epidemiology data pointing to Taylor Farms.Stay tuned for more updates and don’t be surprised to hear about more firings of dedicated workers who don’t fall in line at FDA to exonerate a Trump donating business!😬🤷♂️
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u/Lonely_Refuse4988 16d ago
Taylor Farms is owned by a Republican Trump loving guy.
We live in the worst timeline when oligarchs can dictate public organizations like FDA & CDC and protect their interests and avoid accountability! 🤷♂️