FDA Finds Cyclospora in Lettuce Not Yet Recalled From Taylor Farms

Federal health officials announced on July 18 that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico tested positive for a parasite called cyclospora. This lettuce was not part of an earlier recall — meaning even more lettuce could be putting people at risk. The Food and Drug Administration, known as the FDA, said it found the contaminated sample while investigating a large outbreak of cyclospora illness across the United States.

The FDA collected the sample through targeted import surveillance, which means inspectors were closely watching products coming in from Mexico. Taylor Farms confirmed that the positive sample was separate from the lettuce it had already recalled on July 17. Officials are now working to figure out whether any of this newly identified lettuce reached store shelves or people's homes. Until they know more, the contaminated batch is being held and kept out of stores.

Just one day before this new finding, Taylor Farms de Mexico announced it was voluntarily pulling all iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico from the U.S. market. This decision came after the FDA's traceback investigation — a process where officials trace a food product back to where it came from. The agency said it would share more information as the investigation continued. Taylor Farms said it acted quickly after getting new information from the FDA.

The FDA's traceback work pointed to Taylor Farms de Mexico as the common supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants. Customers who got sick had reported eating at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taco Bell removed all lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms from its restaurants after officials made that connection. The company took action to protect its customers as soon as federal investigators shared their findings.

Taylor Fresh Foods also recalled certain Marketside-brand bagged lettuce products sold at Walmart stores. The recalled products include 12-ounce and 24-ounce Marketside Iceberg Salad bags, as well as 8-ounce and 16-ounce Marketside Shredded Lettuce bags. These products have 'Best if Used By' dates ranging from July 18 through August 3, 2026. Anyone who has these products at home should not eat them and should throw them away or return them to the store for a refund.

Walmart also removed select Marketside iceberg lettuce products from stores in 27 states as a safety measure. The company said no confirmed illnesses had been tied to the retail products, but that customer safety was its top priority. Taylor Farms stated that none of its branded salad kits or packaged salads were connected to the outbreak. The company said it moved quickly once it received information from the FDA.

Cyclospora is a tiny parasite — too small to see without a microscope — that can infect a person's intestines. People who get infected may experience symptoms like prolonged diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, and bloating. These symptoms can last for a long time if the infection is not treated. The parasite is usually spread through food or water that has been contaminated with infected feces.

The outbreak has now sickened people in 34 states across the country. In Michigan alone, more than 5,000 cases and 102 hospitalizations were reported as of July 16. That makes it one of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in recent memory. Health officials urge anyone with symptoms who recently ate iceberg lettuce to contact their doctor right away.

The FDA said investigators are still working to find out if any products from the newly confirmed positive batch reached consumers. In the meantime, the agency is urging people and businesses to follow recall guidance and avoid eating any recalled lettuce products. Officials promised to release more information as soon as it becomes available. Staying informed and checking recall notices is the best way for families to stay safe.