Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Shredded Iceberg Lettuce Expands to Nine U.S. States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the largest multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak in the United States has expanded to nine states, including Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Michigan. The illness is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms. Cyclospora causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as severe diarrhea and can require hospitalization. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the likely source of contamination after testing samples from Taco Bell restaurants where affected individuals had eaten. Despite negative test results for cyclospora in lettuce and water at a Mexican facility, health officials continue to investigate. The outbreak began with symptoms appearing in mid-May, but due to an extended incubation period, contaminated produce may have been distributed weeks earlier. Taylor Farms has faced criticism over its response, including unclear recall notices and confusion after the company claimed the FDA had apologized for a false positive test result—a claim later denied by the agency. The firm supplies lettuce to major retailers like Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and restaurant chains such as Taco Bell.
Topics: CDC cyclosporiasis FDA food_safety