No lettuce linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to central Mexico has been found in UAE markets, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has confirmed, as authorities step up inspection of fresh produce shipments entering the country.
The ministry said it is monitoring food safety alerts and coordinating with other UAE authorities to inspect incoming shipments and verify the safety of food products on local shelves, according to Emirates 24|7.
What prompted the UAE lettuce cyclosporiasis check
On 5 August, Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after it was linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting several US states. The US Food and Drug Administration opened an investigation into the outbreak.
The recalled product was distributed across at least 27 states to consumers, restaurants, and retailers, including Taco Bell locations and Marketside-brand products at select Walmart stores.
‘Do not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. If you purchased recalled lettuce, throw it out or return it,’ the company said in its recall notice. Multiple product lots were affected, sold in various package types.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. The parasite causes illness only in humans, and its presence on produce indicates the food may have come into contact with sources of human waste, according to FDA outbreak investigation records. The main symptom is profuse, watery diarrhoea; other symptoms include nausea, fatigue, and stomach cramps.
The parasite has previously been detected on a range of fresh produce. FDA microbiological surveillance data covering fresh herbs found nine outbreaks associated with more than 1,200 illnesses and 80 hospitalisations, including a multi-state investigation linked to imported fresh basil in 2019.
What UAE residents should do with fresh produce
MoCCAE said it is taking preventive measures to maintain food safety standards and urged residents to follow safe food-handling practices.
The ministry advised thoroughly washing all fresh fruits and vegetables before consumption and purchasing food only from approved retail outlets.
The ministry did not specify which outlets qualify as approved, but government-licensed supermarkets and hypermarkets are subject to routine inspection by UAE food safety authorities.
MoCCAE said inspections of incoming shipments are ongoing. Residents who have bought iceberg lettuce recently and are uncertain of its origin can return it to the retailer or discard it as a precaution, in line with the recall guidance issued by Taylor Farms de Mexico.
