Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins tells attendees cyclosporiasis is an FDA responsibility, not a USDA issue

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Wednesday that cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that can cause severe diarrhea, is “an FDA issue, not a USDA issue,” clarifying what she described as the proper federal responsibility for addressing the outbreak-related concern.

Rollins made the remarks during the second annual Hill Nation Summit, an event hosted by The Hill. She addressed the role of the Food and Drug Administration as the agency she said should be handling questions raised by cases of cyclosporiasis, while drawing a line away from USDA responsibilities.

In her comments, Rollins also urged people to take preventive steps, including ensuring they are washing their hands. She linked those public-facing hygiene reminders to the broader goal of limiting illness spread while the federal response is underway.

The secretary’s remarks came as officials and lawmakers continue to focus on how agencies communicate risks during foodborne and other public health threats, including how guidance is delivered to households and how roles are defined across departments.

The distinction Rollins drew between the FDA and USDA underscores a recurring issue during public health events, which can involve multiple federal agencies and overlapping points of contact, from consumer guidance to regulatory oversight and interagency coordination. In this instance, Rollins’ statement was a direct attempt to steer the public toward what she characterized as the correct lead agency for cyclosporiasis.

Rollins’ comments at the Hill Nation Summit also placed emphasis on practical steps for Americans dealing with the risk of infection and the consequences of gastrointestinal illness. She described cyclosporiasis in terms of its potential severity, saying it can lead to “explosive diarrhea,” language intended to underline why public health messaging matters to day-to-day behavior.

While Rollins did not outline new administrative actions in the remarks summarized by The Hill, her statement directed attention to FDA as the lead point of contact for cyclosporiasis concerns, and it reinforced a focus on basic prevention guidance such as handwashing.

The next steps for the issue depend on federal public health and regulatory communications, including any updates from the FDA and other responsible entities regarding case information, recommended precautions, and the status of ongoing investigations.