A sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora, federal officials said, as the company expanded a multistate recall. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the contaminated sample was collected through targeted import surveillance and has been detained while investigators work to determine whether additional product remains in commerce. Consumers in affected areas are urged to discard or return recalled products immediately.
- Pathogen: Cyclospora (a microscopic parasite).
- Recalled products: Marketside iceberg salad and shredded iceberg lettuce (specific bag sizes listed below).
- Distribution: Recalled items were distributed in 27 states.
- Outbreak figures reported: 1,644 sickened, 94 hospitalized; no deaths reported.
Cyclospora test and trace-back details
The FDA said the positive Cyclospora test was identified in a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce collected through targeted import surveillance. That sample was not part of the recall Taylor Farms had earlier announced and has been detained as investigators expand testing and trace-back work (FDA).
FDA traceback activities also tied Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce used at some Taco Bell restaurants where customers reported illness before becoming sick, the agency said. The traceback is ongoing as regulators attempt to map distribution paths and determine whether additional lots remain in commerce (FDA; CDC coordinating with states).
Which Marketside products are recalled and where they were distributed
Taylor Farms said it voluntarily expanded a recall covering iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico and is removing that product from the U.S. market. Consumers should check packaging carefully for specific sizes and dates.
- Marketside iceberg salad — 12-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
- Marketside shredded iceberg lettuce — 8-ounce and 16-ounce bags.
- Distribution dates: sold between June 29 and July 16 with “best if used by” dates from July 18 through Aug. 3.
The FDA reported the affected lettuce was distributed in 27 states. Known states under investigation where illnesses have been reported include Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, though not every store or restaurant in those states necessarily received implicated product (FDA; CDC).
Health risk: what Cyclospora can cause
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection. Symptoms can include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating, fatigue and weight loss. Symptoms may persist and can be particularly severe for people with weakened immune systems, older adults, pregnant people and young children.
Public reports tied to this outbreak show roughly 1,644 people sickened and 94 hospitalized across multiple states; no deaths have been reported. Federal and state public health agencies continue to monitor and report case counts as the investigation proceeds (CDC).
What consumers should do now
The FDA urges anyone who purchased recalled Marketside iceberg lettuce to either throw it away immediately or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Do not consume any lettuce that matches the recalled descriptions or that was served shredded from Mexican suppliers at restaurants under investigation.
Officials specifically advised avoiding shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico that may have been served at Taco Bell restaurants linked in the traceback. If you or a family member has eaten the recalled lettuce and develops symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and mention possible exposure so appropriate testing and care can be considered.
Company and agency response
Taylor Farms said it is voluntarily removing implicated iceberg lettuce from the U.S. market. In a company statement, Taylor Farms said, “We are actively removing the implicated products. The company has stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution of the iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico, notified our customers, and we are continuing to work with the FDA, CDC, and state authorities.”
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are coordinating the ongoing investigation, conducting traceback activities, and advising public health actions. The FDA emphasized that the positive sample was identified through import surveillance and that its probe is continuing to determine the full scope of distribution and any remaining product in commerce.
What comes next
Investigators will continue lab testing, traceback mapping and interviews with suppliers, distributors and retail and restaurant customers to clarify the full distribution chain. Public health officials will update case counts and guidance as new information becomes available (FDA; CDC).
FAQ
Which specific lettuce packages were recalled?
The recall covers Marketside iceberg salad in 12-ounce and 24-ounce bags and Marketside shredded iceberg lettuce in 8-ounce and 16-ounce bags distributed between June 29 and July 16 with “best if used by” dates from July 18 through Aug. 3. Consumers should check packaging for those sizes and dates.
Is Taco Bell lettuce safe to eat now?
The FDA said its traceback tied Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce used at some Taco Bell restaurants where people reported illness. Taco Bell voluntarily removed potentially affected lettuce from the supplier in select states. Officials advised avoiding shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico at Taco Bell locations in the states under investigation until the probe is complete (FDA).
What are Cyclospora symptoms and when should I seek care?
Cyclospora infection can cause watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and fatigue. Seek medical care if you develop persistent diarrhea, high fever, bloody stools, or signs of dehydration. Tell your provider about possible exposure to recalled lettuce so appropriate testing and treatment can be considered.
Source attribution: Reporting and statements in this article are based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Taylor Farms company statement. Original reporting: Fox Business — Taylor Farms lettuce sample tests positive for Cyclospora as recall expands. For official agency updates, consult FDA and CDC notices.
