House Democrats To Investigate Taylor Farms' Role in Cyclospora Outbreak

House Democrats are investigating the involvement of Taylor Farms in the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, citing concerns over potential political influence and attempts to mislead consumers. As of July 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 4,100 cases of cyclospora, and is aware of at least 7,400 additional cases that have yet to be confirmed through laboratory testing, a record high. Representative Robert Garcia (D-California), ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, sent a letter to the company Monday. He requested correspondence between Taylor Farms and the Trump administration. "This timeline of events raises concerns that your company may have attempted to leverage political donations and connections inside the Trump Administration to influence the scope, scale, and findings of FDA's investigation," Garcia wrote. Garcia also said the company's "series of contradictory and confusing statements" following the recall appear to be "deliberately" worded so customers think that the recalled products are safe. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, Taylor Farms reportedly asked the White House for a delay in announcing the recall. "We are confident in our food and food-safety systems and will continue to be transparent as more information becomes available," a company spokesperson said.