The news: Another US cyclospora outbreak tied to fresh produce is under investigation. At the same time, the FDA is expanding an ongoing cyclospora investigation tied to contaminated lettuce to nine states. More than 70 people have been sickened in the new outbreak, while nearly 2,000 cases have been identified in the first, according to the FDA.

Why it matters: Public trust in health guidance was already declining and could erode further amid the outbreaks and mixed messaging. Only half (51%) of US adults trust the FDA to deliver reliable information on health issues, according to a June KFF survey. That’s down from 57% in April 2025 and 61% in September 2023.

Confusing messaging from the FDA only reinforces consumers’ doubts. For example, the FDA initially linked the outbreak to Taco Bell, and then reported positive cyclospora results from Taylor Farms Mexico iceberg lettuce. The agency subsequently said the tests results taken at the border were false positives, but later clarified that those tests were unrelated to the original outbreak investigation.

At the same time, food safety concerns have intensified. Almost half (45%) of food and beverage companies listed food safety and health as their top risk for 2026, up from 29% in 2024, per a March WTW Willis survey. Meanwhile, US consumer confidence in food safety was already declining. Just 55% of US adults said they were confident the US food supply is safe last year, according to the International Food Information Council's annual Food & Health survey, down from 62% in 2024 and 70% in 2023.

Implications for food companies: Although investigations often produce conflicting information as new evidence emerges, affected food companies can reduce ambiguity with timely and transparent communication. Taco Bell, for example, is navigating the outbreak with lettuce-free specials, and transparent official and social media communications. Brands that provide easy-to-access updates about recalls, testing, and ongoing food safety efforts can help maintain consumer confidence.

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