Iceberg lettuce recall reaches 27 states as FDA traceback converges on Taylor Farms de Mexico

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell, after traceback work converged on a single supplier – Taylor Farms de Mexico.

Five states – Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia – have reported 1,644 people infected with Cyclospora who also reported eating at Taco Bell. Illness onset dates range from 13 May to 13 July 2026. There have been 94 hospitalisations and no deaths. The genus has one species known to cause human illness, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and infection typically presents as prolonged, relapsing diarrhoea.

“Due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive” 

– US Food and Drug Administration, outbreak advisory, 19 July 2026

Michigan analysed ingredient-level exposure for 190 interviewed cases and found 90% had eaten iceberg lettuce. FDA’s traceback then identified a single point of convergence, Taylor Farms de Mexico of Guanajuato, supplying the shredded iceberg used at the implicated restaurants.

On 17 July the firm announced it would voluntarily remove all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the US market and initiate a recall. The recall covers Marketside-brand product sold at Walmart – 12oz and 24oz Iceberg Salad and 8oz and 16oz Shredded Lettuce with best-if-used-by dates from 18 July to 3 August 2026 – alongside food service product detailed in the company notice. Distribution has been confirmed across 27 states. Taco Bell said it stopped using the supplier’s lettuce from 17 July.

No confirmed positive product sample

The recall is not underpinned by a laboratory finding. A sample reported positive on 18 July was withdrawn a day later, with FDA stating that “due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive.”

As of 19 July there were no confirmed positive product samples for Cyclospora, and the recall and public health advisory rest on epidemiological and traceback evidence rather than detection of the pathogen in product. FDA has increased screening at the border for the implicated products and continues to collect and analyse samples with state partners.

For quality and food safety teams, the episode is a reminder that molecular detection of Cyclospora in produce remains difficult, and that traceback convergence can carry a recall before – or without – a confirmatory positive result. The investigation is ongoing, and FDA has said additional brands, retailers, restaurants or distribution channels may still be named.