Federal health officials confirmed a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms tested positive for Cyclospora on July 18, 2026. While the contaminated lot was detained, the discovery follows a multistate outbreak that has sickened 1,644 people, leading to 94 hospitalizations and widespread supply chain adjustments.
FDA Surveillance and the Taylor Farms Positive Test
The Food and Drug Administration announced on July 18 that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms tested positive for the parasite Cyclospora. The agency clarified that this specific positive sample was collected during targeted surveillance and was not part of the company’s existing recall, though the implicated lot has been detained.
According to Foxbusiness, the company is currently working with federal regulators to determine if any of the positive lot reached consumers’ homes or remains in commerce. This development compounds an already complex supply chain crisis, as Taylor Farms previously initiated a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
Taco Bell Supply Chain and Regional Outbreak Clusters
The ongoing investigation has focused heavily on Yum Brands’ Taco Bell restaurants. Federal health officials linked a subset of the national outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. As of July 16, Taco Bell stated it had taken immediate action to voluntarily remove potentially impacted lettuce from a supplier in select states
and confirmed plans to replace the product nationwide within 24 hours.
The scale of the situation is significant for the produce industry. While 1,644 cases have been identified nationwide, the FDA notes that these incidents comprise several epidemiologically related clusters, and it remains possible that other sources or suppliers are involved in cases outside the Taco Bell-linked subset.
Recall Details and Consumer Safety Guidance
Taylor Farms has maintained that its branded salad kits are not associated with the outbreak. In a recent statement, the company confirmed it is actively removing the implicated products
and has suspended distribution of iceberg lettuce from its Central Mexico operations.
- Marketside iceberg salad (12-ounce and 24-ounce bags).
- Marketside shredded iceberg lettuce (8-ounce and 16-ounce bags).
- Various products distributed to foodservice customers.
The recalled items were distributed between June 29 and July 16 and feature best if used by
dates ranging from July 18 through August 3. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and discard or return any items matching these descriptions.
“Wash your hands and any fresh produce thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting or cooking. This will reduce the risk of infection. Cooking kills the parasite, so heating food to 158 F or 70 C or higher is effective.”
Dr. Gwen Biggerstaff, CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases
Health officials emphasize that while Cyclospora causes severe gastrointestinal distress, including watery diarrhea and nausea, person-to-person transmission is considered unlikely. Dr. Biggerstaff noted that those experiencing symptoms should prioritize hydration and avoid preparing food for others. Because standard stool tests often do not detect this specific parasite, patients are encouraged to request specific testing from their healthcare providers if they fall ill after consuming fresh produce.
Keep reading