Health officials have identified Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce as the source of a Cyclospora-related gastrointestinal illness affecting thousands across the United States, with the parasite detected in a recent sample from the supplier.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that a tested sample from Taylor Farms, which supplies Taco Bell, tested positive for Cyclospora, though the contaminated product is not part of the company’s ongoing recall announced Friday.
Taylor Farms has voluntarily withdrawn all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market and published a list of impacted items. The recall impacts 27 states and includes Marketside-brand lettuce sold at Walmart locations in 15 states.
At least 94 individuals have been hospitalized due to cyclosporiasis, though no fatalities have been reported. The outbreak was first identified on May 13, with symptoms typically emerging one to two weeks after consumption.
The FDA collected the positive sample during targeted surveillance of imported goods as part of its investigation. While the parasite-positive batch is unrelated to the current recall, Taylor Farms is working to locate any remaining product in circulation or consumers’ homes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against consuming shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, where infections have been linked to the contaminated produce.
Taco Bell confirmed the removal of all affected Taylor Farms lettuce from its restaurants. Taylor Farms stated it has “stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution of the iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico, notified customers, and continues to collaborate with the FDA, CDC, and state authorities.”
