The International Fresh Produce Association sent a formal letter to the FDA's acting commissioner on September 16 calling for clearer communication, transparent root cause analysis, and expanded traceability research following this summer's Cyclospora outbreak. The outbreak — linked to Mexican-grown lettuce — sickened more than 12,000 people across 21 states and caused two deaths before FDA declared it over on September 11. IFPA Chief Science Officer Max Teplitski wrote that the repercussions extended well beyond lettuce and leafy greens.
The letter asks FDA to work collaboratively with the industry rather than in isolation, arguing that visible, coordinated action is necessary to restore consumer confidence. IFPA framed the request as an opportunity to demonstrate how industry and regulators can translate lessons learned into practical improvements — including stronger traceability infrastructure across the supply chain.
This follows the cyclospora outbreak being covered in recently sent issues, but this is a concrete new development: a formal industry-to-regulator demand with specific asks around traceability and communication. Worth monitoring how FDA responds, particularly given ongoing congressional and public scrutiny of produce safety protocols heading into the fall retail season.