Anti-vaccine Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to encourage Americans to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables has taken a hit amid an outbreak of Cyclospora-caused diarrhea that has affected over 11,500 people across the country.

The largest outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sold at Taco Bell and other companies. Michigan alone has reported 9,253 cases as of July 27, up from five states identified last week. Five other outbreaks remain unsourced.

According to a CBS News poll, approximately 40% of Americans are now buying or consuming less produce due to the outbreak, with only 4% reporting adherence to Kennedy’s advice despite his push for more fresh food consumption as part of his Make America Healthy Again agenda.

The situation highlights the ongoing issues with underfunded public health agencies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have both faced significant budget cuts, leading to a loss of experienced staff who could better identify and respond to such outbreaks. The CDC has lost about 25% of its workforce while the FDA is down by around 20%, reports CBS.