Representative Marc Veasey (D-TX) is leading a group of 50 members of Congress to demand greater transparency from federal agencies on their efforts to combat the ongoing spread of cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic illness.
The group of lawmakers issued a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), calling for immediate action to identify the source of the disease. Since the outbreak began in May, over 4,000 people have been hospitalized and two have died.
"As this outbreak continues, the American people deserve answers," Rep. Veasey wrote.
Last month, federal agencies identified lettuce from the fresh-produce company Taylor Farms as a source of the outbreak, but later retracted that designation as a false positive.
"Americans should have confidence that public health decisions are guided by science, transparency and the protection of public health—not by outside influence,” Rep. Veasey said.
In 2025, Taylor Farms donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., the super PAC supporting President Donald Trump, and more than $2 million overall to conservative political groups.
Lawmakers are now seeking records of communications between the FDA, Taylor Farms, and the White House. Both Taylor Farms and the White House have denied the claim that political donations compromised the regulatory process.
Now, many Americans are avoiding fresh produce altogether out of fear that they will catch the disease.
“Americans deserve confidence that the food on their tables is safe and that when an outbreak occurs, our public health agencies will respond swiftly, independently and transparently,” said Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL).
Rep. Sewell said that not only are families entitled to answers regarding the source of the outbreak, but they also deserve a clear action plan on how federal agencies will prevent additional illnesses from spreading.
“Public trust depends on timely, science-based communication, and Congress has a responsibility to ensure our federal health agencies have both the independence and the resources they need to protect public health,” Rep. Sewell said.
