Taylor Farms Lettuce Recall Expands After Positive Parasite Test Linked to Taco Bell Outbreak

A major food safety investigation has intensified after a sample of imported iceberg lettuce tested positive for a harmful parasite, expanding a recall linked to a massive outbreak of illness at Taco Bell restaurants.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a batch of shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico yielded a positive result for Cyclospora. The contaminated sample was flagged during routine import surveillance conducted by federal inspectors, rather than through the company’s initial voluntary recall. In response, the California-based agricultural giant has halted shipments from the affected region and is working to trace any contaminated produce that may still be in circulation.

The discovery comes amid a rapidly growing multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened at least 1,644 people and led to 94 hospitalizations across five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. No deaths have been reported. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments have been tracking the infections, which began surfacing earlier this summer.

Following the FDA’s findings, Taco Bell voluntarily suspended the use of shredded lettuce from the implicated supplier in the affected region. According to federal officials, the agency’s trace-back investigation identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the primary supplier of the shredded iceberg lettuce consumed by patients prior to falling ill. Health authorities have advised consumers in the five affected states to avoid eating shredded lettuce at Taco Bell locations.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection. People typically contract the parasite by consuming food or water contaminated with feces. It is known to cause severe diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, and other gastrointestinal symptoms that can persist for weeks or even months if left untreated. Historically, Cyclospora outbreaks in the United States have often been linked to imported fresh produce, such as raspberries, basil, and various types of leafy greens, which are difficult to wash thoroughly.

The ongoing recall has disrupted supply chains across 27 states. The recall affects retail packages of Marketside iceberg salad sold in 12-ounce and 24-ounce bags, as well as Marketside shredded iceberg lettuce in 8-ounce and 16-ounce packages. These items were distributed between June 29 and July 16, bearing “best if used by” dates ranging from July 18 to August 3. Additionally, the recall encompasses bulk products distributed to foodservice customers, including restaurants and institutional kitchens.

Taylor Farms has emphasized that its branded salad kits and other proprietary retail products are not associated with the contamination. In public statements, the company maintained that it is actively collaborating with regulatory bodies to isolate the source of the pathogen and ensure the safety of its supply chain. Under the Food Safety Modernization Act, agricultural producers face stringent requirements to monitor and control biological hazards, particularly when sourcing fresh produce from international operations.

Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled retail salads are urged to discard them immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a full refund.