Trump threatens LETTUCE tariffs to control ‘explosive’ parasite outbreak as cases soar
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs over a major outbreak of an ‘explosive diarrhea’ parasite linked to lettuce from Mexico.
In a press briefing at the White House, he said: ‘I think what we are going to do is we are going to put a major tariff on Mexico because of the lettuce.’
He weighed in as cases of cyclosporiasis soared to 11,000 across 41 states leaving public health officials scrambling to find the cause.
He also reiterated his threat six days ago to put major tariffs on Canada after wildfires left much of the northern US covered in toxic smoke.
Health officials have suggested that cases of the parasite, a disease transmitted by food or water contaminated with human feces, may be linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms that was sent to Taco Bell restaurants in nine states.
Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania are all also now suggested to be affected, alongside Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Tests on lettuce from Taylor Farms’ manufacturing facility in Mexico has returned a false-positive, however, leaving officials scrambling to find a source.
Lettuce from Taylor Farms has been recalled, however, and yesterday the business temporarily shut its processing facility in Central Mexico linked to the cases.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr claimed on Tuesday that the outbreak was ‘under control.’
Health officials are now recommending people wash their hands and ‘any fresh produce’ thoroughly before preparing food.
As washing is not guaranteed to remove the parasite, they are also recommending cooking food to a temperature of at least 158F (70C) to kill the parasite.
More to follow…
