The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has retracted its earlier report of a positive test for the cyclospora parasite in an iceberg lettuce sample from Taylor Farms, a supplier to Taco Bell. The agency now says the result was a false positive after a re-review.

The initial finding had raised hopes of identifying the source of an outbreak that has sickened thousands across multiple states. The FDA continues to investigate, stating it is working with the firm to ensure contaminated products are removed from the market.

No deaths have been reported, but at least 94 people have been hospitalized. Symptoms include prolonged watery diarrhea, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Taylor Farms voluntarily withdrew all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico from the U.S. market, affecting products sold at Taco Bell and Walmart. The recall covers 27 states.

The CDC advises against eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taco Bell says it has removed the affected lettuce from its restaurants.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk