PRESS STATEMENT: Congressman Shri Thanedar Leads Letter Demanding Transparency from Trump Administration on Cyclosporiasis Crisis

For Immediate Release Contact: Jared Perkowski

July 28, 2026 202-997-4624

PRESS STATEMENT

Congressman Shri Thanedar Leads Letter Demanding Transparency from Trump Administration on Cyclosporiasis Crisis

Washington, DC - Last week, Congressman Shri Thanedar urged greater transparency from the heads of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the recent surge in cyclosporiasis cases. In a letter to Dr. Kyle Diamantas and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Acting Commissioner of the FDA and Acting Director of the CDC respectively, Thanedar laid out the public health threat posed by cyclosporiasis and called on the officials to improve efforts to keep the public informed.

"The American public deserves accurate information about potential public health risks and the confidence that every possible step is being taken to identify the cause of these illnesses, prevent future infections, and ensure access to appropriate treatment," wrote Congressman Thanedar. "We are urging the FDA and CDC to continue working closely with state health departments and local public health agencies to strengthen food safety measures, improve outbreak detection, and identify all other sources as immediately feasible. The FDA should continue to collaborate with the CDC to invest in the Cyclospora Prevention, Response, and Research Action Plan to support research on prevention, detection, treatment, and improved surveillance of cyclosporiasis."

Cyclospora outbreaks have increased across America over the past year, but Michigan, especially Southeast Michigan, has been the hardest hit for cyclosporiasis cases in the country. As of July 23, 2026, Michigan has experienced 8,176 reported cases since late June 2026, with 160 hospitalizations.

Congressman Shri Thanedar was joined on this letter by Congressman Eric Sorensen, Congressman Joaquin Castro, Congressman Tom Suozzi, Congresswoman Nanette Díaz Barragán, Congressman Chuy García, Congressman Gil Cisneros, and Congresswoman Sarah McBride. The full text of the letter can be viewed here.

Congressman Shri Thanedar proudly represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District, which includes Detroit, Downriver, and the Grosse Pointes. As a champion for working families, Shri is committed to advancing economic opportunities, education, healthcare access, and entrepreneurship for underserved communities. Drawing from his journey from poverty to success, he works tirelessly to uplift Metro Detroit, ensuring every resident has the resources and support they need to thrive.

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