US cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce hits thousands

US cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taylor Farms lettuce hits thousands

A massive multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by a microscopic parasite, has sickened thousands of people across the United States since mid-May. Health officials have identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms as the likely source of the illness, leading to widespread recalls and the removal of products from major fast-food chains and retail stores.

The scale of the current outbreak is unprecedented. According to the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety Inspection Service, the previous record for a US cyclospora outbreak involved raspberries and resulted in about 1,500 cases. Other large outbreaks typically did not surpass 1,000 cases. This season, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified nearly 7,000 domestic cases as of last week, with 1,645 confirmed and about 5,100 undergoing further analysis. If all potential cases are confirmed as related, this would be the largest foodborne illness outbreak since the US began tracking them.

The outbreak is centered in the Midwest. On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 6,571 cases within the investigation timeframe. While the state noted it cannot say with certainty that every illness is linked to the same source, officials stated the sharp increase strongly suggests the vast majority are associated with the same outbreak. Michigan also reported 102 hospitalizations as of July 16.

Other states linked to the outbreak include:

• Ohio: at least 1,244 cases
• Indiana: 511 cases
• West Virginia: 195 cases
• Kentucky: 192 cases

The CDC has noted that the true number of sick individuals is likely higher than reported and may extend beyond these states. Overall, 34 states have reported at least one domestically acquired case this season, though some, such as California and New Jersey, report numbers consistent with typical seasonal trends.

The FDA is investigating the source of the parasite, which is notoriously difficult to detect in produce. Despite the epidemiological evidence, a conflict has emerged regarding lab testing. On July 19, the FDA announced that a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms that previously tested positive was actually a false positive. Taylor Farms issued a press release stating the FDA had apologized, asserting that the agency has not identified a single positive product test result for Cyclospora.

The FDA responded on July 20 via X, stating that the false positive DOES NOT change the basis for FDA’s ongoing outbreak investigation or the overwhelming epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms.

The recall, initiated on July 17, involves iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Taco Bell has removed Taylor Farms lettuce from its restaurants and nationwide supply chain after contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce was served at some locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Walmart has also removed Marketside Bagged Iceberg Salad and Shredded Iceberg Salads supplied by Taylor Farms from stores in 15 states, including Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Virginia. Affected retail products carry Best if Used By dates from July 18 through Aug. 3.

Other affected entities include food service distributors Sysco and US Foods, the latter of which notified customers regarding its Cross Valley Farms brand. Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states, including shipments to Jack in the Box.

Symptoms of the infection include watery or explosive diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, cramping, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and low-grade fever. These symptoms can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure. At least 94 people have been hospitalized in relation to this specific outbreak, according to the CDC.

General cyclosporiasis trends are rising. Data from biotech company bioMérieux shows the prevalence of cyclospora and other parasites in the US surged from less than 3% of tests in the second week of June to more than 18% in recent days. For comparison, federal officials reported more than 4,500 cases in 2023 and more than 3,500 in 2024.

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Stated on Tuesday that the government has the outbreak under control. However, the CDC notes that the epidemiological curve of new cases has not yet slowed, with new illnesses starting as recently as last week.

The FDA continues to determine if contaminated lettuce reached other locations. Health officials advise those with symptoms to request specific testing for cyclospora, as routine stool tests may miss the parasite.