A record-breaking cyclosporiasis outbreak has overwhelmed local food-safety programs, leaving health officials unable to keep up with the interviews and investigations needed to track and contain the illness. Environmental health expert Bob Custard and epidemiologist Susan Mayne link the slow response and staffing gaps to federal funding cuts to public health functions.
WHO:Bob Custard; Susan Mayne
WHAT:Experts say a record cyclosporiasis outbreak is straining local food-safety response capacity due to understaffing tied to federal funding cuts.
WHEN:Reported Aug 21, 2026 at 12:05 AM ET
WHERE:USA
WHY:Federal funding cuts have left local food safety programs understaffed, slowing the response and limiting the ability to conduct needed interviews and investigations.
