Federal officials continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections initially linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at Taco Bell locations, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified the potential connection on July 16, 2026.
As of July 19, 2026, the CDC reports 1,644 confirmed illnesses across five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. At least 94 people have been hospitalized, with no deaths reported. Illness onset dates range from May 13 to July 13, 2026.
Many cases involve individuals who reported eating at Taco Bell, where the lettuce was a common ingredient.
The FDA initially reported a positive Cyclospora test in a Taylor Farms lettuce sample. On July 19, the agency announced the result was a false positive after laboratory re-testing.
No verified positive samples now exist.
Taylor Farms addressed the situation in an X post, stating it has stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution, notified customers, and is continuing to cooperate with authorities.
An Update for You pic.twitter.com/n1g2Ck84i8
— Taylor Farms (@YourTaylorFarms) July 20, 2026
The FDA noted that the investigation is not closed, stating the following on July 20:
“To clarify, 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.
Over the weekend, FDA alerted Taylor Farms that a new sample of shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora during import examination at the Southern Border. This ended up being a false positive, and Taylor Farms was alerted to the corrective test result Sunday.
FDA’s traceback investigation and outbreak data continue to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico. FDA will continue to work with federal and state partners to investigate this multistate outbreak and ensure products implicated in this outbreak have been removed from the market.
Protecting the American public remains our highest priority. We encourage the public to continue to avoid all products listed in Taylor Farms’ voluntary recall.”
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water, often via fecal matter on produce. It is not typically transmitted person-to-person. Symptoms usually appear about one week after exposure and include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Without treatment, symptoms can last weeks to months. Most cases respond to antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
History of the Concern
Cyclosporiasis outbreaks linked to fresh produce have occurred in the U.S. in prior years. The parasite is associated with tropical and subtropical regions and has been traced to imported items like raspberries, basil, and lettuce.
In 2024, similar outbreaks revealed ongoing challenges in supply chain safety. Taylor Farms has faced previous recalls, including one for E. coli in onions linked to McDonald’s.
Present Concern
The false positive has returned investigators to the drawing board for the exact contamination source. The recall of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico remains active as a precaution. The products were distributed between June 29 and July 16, 2026, across 27 states and included items sold at Walmart. Taco Bell removed affected products from menus in the impacted states.
Should Americans Avoid Produce?
No general prohibition is in place. The CDC and FDA advise washing all fresh produce thoroughly under running water before consumption, even items labeled “ready-to-eat.” Do not use soap, bleach, or other chemicals. Individuals with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant should take additional care with imported lettuce or pre-packaged salads.
What to Watch For
Monitor for symptoms such as watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite approximately one week after potential exposure. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist, and report cases to local health departments.
The Dallas Express will continue monitoring updates from the FDA, CDC, and state authorities.
Provided by Dallas Express
