Cyclospora Boosts Fears That Worse Foodborne Outbreaks Are Ahead

The recent outbreak of a foodborne parasite sickened thousands and hospitalized hundreds across the U.S. before federal investigators identified the suspected source. Food safety experts say cuts to the public health system hobbled the response — and that the next outbreak could be much worse.

By: Kate Wells and Stephanie Armour

Outlets: KFF Health News

Published: July 28, 2026

Words: 1,001

Last Updated: 6 days, 5 hours ago

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The next foodborne illness outbreak could be much worse.

That’s the concern of food safety leaders across the U.S. who are raising alarms over federal cuts they say have made it harder to detect and stop the spread of foodborne illnesses, such as the recent outbreaks of cyclospora, which has sickened thousands in dozens of states. And they’re especially worried the next pathogen will be much more deadly.

Food safety in the U.S. is …

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