FDA Probes Taylor Farms Lettuce in Cyclospora Outbreak
The Food and Drug Administration continues to investigate Taylor Farms lettuce as the potential source of a massive Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened over 1,600 confirmed people across at least five states, with thousands more suspected cases nationwide. The investigation has been complicated by a laboratory test that initially pointed to the lettuce but was later retracted as a false positive.
According to NPR, the CDC reports 1,644 confirmed cases in a five-state cluster linked to Taco Bell — Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia — with 94 hospitalizations and no deaths reported. However, state-level data tells a more alarming story: Michigan alone reports 6,148 cases as of July 20, while Ohio reports 2,029 in its Northwest region. The CDC is investigating more than 5,100 suspected cases across 34 states.
The False Positive and Its Fallout
On July 18, the FDA announced that a sample of Taylor Farms lettuce had tested positive for Cyclospora. But just one day later, the agency retracted the result. In a statement, the FDA explained that “due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive.”
Despite the retraction, the FDA emphasized on social media that “this false-positive lab sample DOES NOT change the basis for FDA’s ongoing outbreak investigation or the overwhelming epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms.” The agency’s official investigation page confirms that as of July 19, there are no confirmed positive product test results for Cyclospora.
Taylor Farms, in a statement on its website, noted that the FDA apologized for the error. “To be clear, at this moment, FDA has not identified a single positive product test result for Cyclospora,” the company said.
The Epidemiological Case
While laboratory testing has failed to confirm the parasite on produce, epidemiological evidence remains strong. The FDA’s traceback investigation identified convergence on a single supplier — Taylor Farms de Mexico in Guanajuato, Mexico — that provided shredded iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell locations where sick people ate before becoming ill. Michigan officials analyzed food exposure data from 190 cases who reported eating at Taco Bell and found that 90% had consumed iceberg lettuce.
On July 17, Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. The recall affects products distributed in 27 states, including Marketside-brand salads sold at Walmart in 15 states. Taco Bell has removed all iceberg lettuce from its supply chain and is no longer using Taylor Farms lettuce. Taylor Farms has stated it is “no longer sourcing iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico for the remainder of the growing season.”
Understanding Cyclospora
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness characterized by watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss. Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after exposure and can last for a month or more if untreated. The illness is treatable with antibiotics.
Testing for Cyclospora on produce is inherently difficult. The FDA has noted that small amounts of the parasite on fruits and vegetables can cause illness, but tests may not be sensitive enough to detect it reliably. This complexity contributed to the false positive result.
Multiple Outbreaks, One Investigation
The FDA’s acting Deputy Commissioner for Food, Donald Prater, has stated that the rise in cases points to “multiple clusters and subclusters,” not a single outbreak. The FDA is tracking at least five separate outbreaks simultaneously. Food Safety News reports that other produce items — including cilantro, white and green onions, and cucumbers — are also being investigated in connection with some clusters linked to Mexican-style restaurants.
Donald Schaffner, a microbiologist at Rutgers University, cautioned that not all cases are necessarily connected. “Just because you’re sick with Cyclospora right now doesn’t mean that you’re part of this cluster of cases that have an epicenter in Michigan and Ohio,” he told NPR. “Sometimes we can figure out what’s causing it, and sometimes we can’t.”
What Consumers Should Do
The FDA recommends that consumers discard any recalled iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods. Recalled Marketside-brand products — Iceberg Salad (12-oz and 24-oz) and Shredded Lettuce (8-oz and 16-oz) — were sold at Walmart with Best if Used By dates ranging from July 18 to August 3, 2026. Full refunds are available at the location of purchase.
Anyone who develops symptoms of cyclosporiasis and believes they may have been exposed should contact their health care provider. The FDA also recommends cooking produce to 158°F to kill the parasite and thoroughly washing produce to reduce risk.
Looking Ahead
This outbreak is on track to become the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history. By this time in 2025, the CDC had counted only 249 confirmed patients nationwide — compared to thousands in 2026. With the typical Cyclospora season lasting until late August, case counts may continue to rise.
The FDA continues to test lettuce samples and produce at the southern border, but so far no additional positives have been found. The investigation remains ongoing, and the central question — whether the contamination originated at a specific farm, during processing, or elsewhere — remains unanswered.