The FDA confirmed that Taylor Farms’ lettuce was contaminated with the parasite responsible for the large-scale outbreak.

The FDA found that Taylor Farms’ shredded iceberg lettuce and salad kits containing iceberg lettuce were contaminated with the cyclospore parasite responsible for the outbreak that sickened thousands of people.

On July 18, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that Taylor Farms de Mexico, located in Guanajuato, Mexico, was recalling all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico from the U.S. market. Taylor Fresh Foods’ recall notice covers Marketside brand products available at Walmart stores.

The recall also includes products distributed to various foodservice operations, including Taco Bell restaurants in several states.

The recalled product has an expiration date of until August 3, raising concerns that consumers may keep it at home. The consumer products being recalled, including Marketside brand products sold in Walmart stores, are:

• 12-ounce and 24-ounce Iceberg Salad (Use by July 18, 2026 – August 3, 2026)
• 8 oz and 16 oz shredded lettuce, use by July 18 – August 3, 2026

A complete list of Covered Products distributed to Taylor Fresh Foods foodservice customers, including lot codes, use-by dates, and instructions for returning or disposing of Covered Products, can be found on the company’s website. recall notice.

The FDA, CDC, and state health departments have been investigating a large outbreak of cyclospore infections that began in mid-June. On July 18, the FDA announced that samples of shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora.

The sample was collected as a result of an outbreak investigation and during targeted import surveillance. Taylor Farms has confirmed that this positive product is not currently subject to a recall. They are currently working to determine whether some of these relevant sites will be available for commercial or consumer homes. Positive lots are currently being held and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

Taylor Fresh Foods is recalling Iceberg products in AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA and WI from June 29 to July 16.

The recalled Marketside Brand Iceberg products were sold in Walmart stores in AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, LA, MO, MS, OK, TN, TX, VA and WV.

Taco Bell stores receiving recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico include restaurants in IN, KY, MI, OH and WV. Additional states may be added to the FDA’s recommendations as more information becomes available. Taco Bell says it will no longer use lettuce from Taylor Farms, which is grown in Mexico.

The Michigan Department of Health reported July 17 that there were 5,002 cases in Michigan and 102 hospitalizations. By this time each year, Michigan typically has 40 to 50 confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection.

Indiana is reporting more than 320 cases. Kentucky is reporting more than 190. Ohio is reporting more than 1,240. West Virginia has reported 139 cases.

As of July 17, the CDC reported only 1,644 people infected with Cyclospora. Only five states have reported exposure to Taco Bell. The illness began from May 13 to July 13.

CDC is also investigating Cyclospora parasite infections in a total of 34 states. The FDA said there is likely more than one outbreak and that it is investigating 5,100 additional illnesses.

The CDC’s numbers lag state reports because the CDC stopped tracking Cyclospora infections and seven other types of foodborne pathogens starting July 1, 2025.

The main symptom of Cyclospora infection is severe diarrhea, which can persist for more than a month if left untreated and can easily lead to severe dehydration.

Anyone who develops symptoms of Cyclospora infection and has reason to believe they have been exposed to the parasite should seek medical attention. Specific tests are required and antibiotics are used to fight parasites.

Cyclospora infection can cause severe abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, often explosive diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms may appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure. Although symptoms can be severe enough to send people to the hospital, death from Cyclospora infection is rare.

The recalled Taylor Farms products include: