FDA probes multi-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce from Mexico
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6 days · 4 summary articles
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing its investigation into a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico. Despite a false positive test result, the FDA maintains that the outbreak is likely connected to the recalled lettuce.
On July 20, 2026, the FDA confirmed that a sample of Taylor Farms lettuce initially tested positive for Cyclospora but was later determined to be a false positive. The agency emphasized that this does not change the basis for their ongoing outbreak investigation or the voluntary recall issued by Taylor Farms.
"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," the FDA stated in a post on X on July 20.
The recall, which spans 27 states and includes lettuce sold to Taco Bell and Walmart, was initiated by Taylor Farms on July 17, 2026. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised people to avoid the recalled products, including at Taco Bell locations.
As of July 13, 2026, the CDC is investigating nearly 7,000 confirmed and suspected cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide. This marks a significant increase compared to the same period last year, which saw less than 250 cases. State data indicates an even broader outbreak, with Michigan alone reporting over 5,000 cases, alongside hundreds more in New York and Illinois.
The discrepancy between federal and state data is partly because states may report both confirmed and probable cases, while the CDC does not include unconfirmed cases in its tally.
The FDA has stressed the difficulties in tracking Cyclospora in food, noting restrictions like the short shelf-life of fresh produce and the lengthy incubation period before symptoms show up.
"Test results are difficult to obtain, and most of the time, our traceback and epidemiologic information are what allows us to determine the source of the outbreak," explained Donald Prater, the Acting Deputy Commissioner for Food at the FDA.
Taylor Farms has taken issue with how the FDA and CDC have conducted their weeks-long investigation into the source of the outbreak. A spokesperson told The New York Times that the company met with White House and FDA officials on July 16 to discuss what it called “shortfalls” in the government organizations’ response processes.
The company has also attempted to cast doubt on the FDA and CDC’s conclusions. In its July 19 post, Taylor Farms wrote that the FDA “has not identified a single positive product test result for Cyclospora.” While true, this elides the difficulties involved in accurately testing for the parasite.
The FDA has clarified that its traceback investigation of the surge in cases is still converging on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms locations in central Mexico.
Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas stressed on July 20 that the investigation is ongoing, "including into other potential sources and commodities for other clusters of illnesses."
Consumers are advised to throw away or return any recalled Taylor Farms lettuce and to clean any surfaces that may have come into contact with the product. Restaurants and retailers are also urged to remove the recalled lettuce from their offerings.
The initial detection of the cyclospora parasite was traced to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico. The FDA had informed Taylor Farms of that detection on July 18, and the company issued a voluntary recall of all affected lettuce. On July 19, the FDA said the test “should be considered a false positive,” and Taylor Farms said the FDA had “apologized.” On July 20, the FDA denied apologizing to Taylor Farms.
The Independent has asked Taylor Farms for comment but has not received a response as of July 21.
The CDC and FDA are continuing their investigation into the outbreak, including looking into other potential sources and commodities for other clusters of illnesses. The agencies are working to determine the exact source of the contamination and to prevent further cases.
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