The FDA has reversed its earlier finding that lettuce from Taylor Farms was contaminated with the Cyclospora parasite, declaring the initial test result a "false positive" after re-reviewing the sample. This retraction came on July 19, following an announcement on July 18 that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico had tested positive for Cyclospora. The agency stated that the complexity of Cyclospora detection led laboratory experts to conclude the finding did not represent true amplification.
Despite the false positive, the investigation into the large Cyclospora outbreak is ongoing, with thousands of illnesses reported across at least 34 states and 102 hospitalizations. Michigan alone reported 5,002 patients with 102 hospitalizations by July 17, significantly higher than its usual 40 to 50 confirmed cases annually. Other states with high numbers include Ohio with over 1,240 cases, Indiana with more than 320, Kentucky with over 190, and West Virginia with 139 cases. The CDC, which stopped tracking Cyclospora infections on July 1, 2025, is investigating 5,100 additional illnesses.
Taylor Farms continues to recall shredded iceberg lettuce and salad kits containing iceberg lettuce from central Mexico due to the ongoing outbreak. This includes Marketside-brand products sold at Walmart stores, with "Best if Used By" dates ranging from July 18, 2026, to August 3, 2026. Recalled products were also distributed to various food service operations, including Taco Bell restaurants in states such as Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, and to Sysco Foods. Taco Bell has confirmed it is no longer sourcing lettuce from the implicated Taylor Farms growing operation in Mexico.
