Taylor Farms Pulls Iceberg Lettuce Amid Nationwide Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

On Friday, Taylor Farms announced it would halt distribution of iceberg lettuce that might be tied to a Cyclospora outbreak sweeping several states. The decision came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared preliminary traceback data pointing to a single farm in central Mexico – a farm that accounts for less than one percent of the nation’s iceberg lettuce supply.

"Based on information provided yesterday by the FDA, Taylor Farms de Mexico is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico," the company said in a statement, adding that the removal would be indefinite while investigations continue.

The move has rippled through the fast‑food world. Taco Bell, a major buyer of Taylor Farms produce, said Thursday it was taking “immediate action” to pull lettuce from affected locations after the FDA began probing the supplier. So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1,644 customers who dined at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis between May 13 and July 13. About 94 of those patients required hospitalization.

Cyclosporiasis, caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, typically triggers weeks of watery diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite. While rarely fatal, the CDC urges anyone experiencing those symptoms to see a healthcare provider and to let officials know what they ate before getting sick.

Importantly, Taylor Farms clarified that its salad kits – which use mixed greens instead of iceberg lettuce – have not been linked to the outbreak. "We are committed to doing everything in our power to address this issue, support the ongoing investigation, and help restore trust," the company added.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation, and consumers are advised to avoid lettuce from Taco Bell locations in the five states mentioned until further notice.