The Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce now spans nine states, with 1,947 illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations. Federal officials are urging consumers to discard recalled products sold through restaurants, food-service channels and select Walmart stores.
Cyclospora outbreak reaches nine states
Federal health officials said Friday, July 24, 2026, that a Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce had expanded to nine states. Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania joined Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
The CDC reported 1,947 laboratory-confirmed illnesses among people who said they ate at Taco Bell before becoming sick. At least 98 people were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported. Illnesses began from June 22 through July 20, 2026.
Taylor Farms lettuce recall expands
Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on Friday, July 17, 2026. The affected lettuce was distributed to restaurants, food-service customers and retailers in multiple states from June 29 through July 16.
The recall includes certain Marketside Iceberg Salad packages in 12-ounce and 24-ounce sizes and Marketside Shredded Lettuce in 8-ounce and 16-ounce sizes sold at select Walmart stores. Affected products have “Best if Used By” dates from July 18 through August 3, 2026. Taco Bell stopped using lettuce from the supplier on July 17.
FDA investigation remains open
The FDA said epidemiological and traceback evidence continues to point to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms growers in central Mexico. A border sample initially reported as positive was later classified as a false positive, but regulators said that result did not change the evidence supporting the recall.
Officials expect confirmed cases to rise because determining whether an illness belongs to the outbreak can take up to six weeks. Investigators have not identified the exact contamination point.
Cyclospora symptoms and safety guidance
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite spread through contaminated food or water. Symptoms may include frequent watery diarrhea, fatigue, appetite loss, stomach cramps, nausea, bloating and weight loss. They can last for weeks or return after appearing to improve.
Consumers should discard or return recalled lettuce and wash containers, utensils and surfaces that touched it with hot, soapy water. Anyone who develops symptoms after eating recalled iceberg lettuce should contact a health care provider and specifically request Cyclospora testing, which may not be included in routine stool tests.
