FDA Continues Focus on Lettuce in Cyclospora Outbreak Probe

The U.S. FDA is continuing its probe into the multi-state outbreak of Cyclospora illnesses. The gastro-intestinal illness with acute symptoms has made headlines for weeks as it has spread.

Late last week, Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of its iceberg lettuce from Mexico due to the possible health risk.. This was following FDA’s traceback investigation that identified convergence on a single supplier, Taylor Farms de Mexico, that provided shredded iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell locations where reportedly sick people ate before becoming ill.

Upon further review though, FDA provided an update regarding a sample of lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico, which was reported to be positive on July 18, 2026. The update reads as follows: “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. FDA has notified Taylor Farms and continues working with the firm to ensure product implicated in this outbreak has been removed from the market. FDA and state partners continue to collect and analyze product samples. As of July 19, 2026, there are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for Cyclospora.”

Stay tuned as the investigation and this story continue to develop.

In the meantime, check out these related stories that provide growers some important food for thought:

• Hot Take on Cyclospora and the Weakening of Food Safety Surveillance
• What Top-Level Food Safety Looks Like at a Vegetable Farm
• The Challenge of Dealing with Contaminants in Vegetables