Taylor Farms recalls shredded iceberg lettuce in 27 states over cyclospora risk
13 reported3 unconfirmed
Taylor Farms recalled potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce in 27 states on Friday, including lettuce distributed as recently as Thursday, as cyclosporiasis cases continue rising in the US. The recall applies to lettuce from the company’s Guanajuato facility in central Mexico, which “has the potential to be contaminated with Cyclospora,” according to the recall notice. The US is likely to see at least another two weeks of possible cases, and the expanding outbreak investigation could point to other products in coming days. The recall did not specify brand names or where the products were served and sold, which may complicate efforts by stores, restaurants and consumers to identify contaminated items. At least 34 states have reported cases, with Michigan confirming more than 5,000 cases. The FDA identified more than 1,600 cases linked to the same product, though many other cases have emerged since late June. Taco Bell was the first restaurant to announce it would stop serving produce in several states, and the FDA warned against eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
What’s reported
Taylor Farms recalled shredded iceberg lettuce in 27 states on Friday, including lettuce distributed as recently as Thursday.
The lettuce came from the company’s Guanajuato facility in central Mexico.
The recall did not specify brand names or where products were served and sold.
At least 34 states have reported cyclosporiasis cases.
Michigan has confirmed more than 5,000 cases.
The FDA identified more than 1,600 cases linked to the same product.
Taco Bell stopped serving produce in several states; FDA warned against lettuce at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
Taylor Farms executives met with White House and FDA officials to distance the company from the investigation, per the New York Times.
Taylor Farms did not respond to questions about product identification, awareness of contamination, or other risky products.
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr said on a podcast Friday: “There are cyclospora outbreaks every summer. Now that we know the probable culprit, I think it’s going to be much easier for people to make healthy choices.”
Michigan officials first identified lettuce as a possible source on Monday.
Dr Donald Prater, acting deputy commissioner for food at the FDA, said Tuesday: “We are aware of the signal for lettuce. What I can say at this point is that we’re continuing our traceback investigation on multiple produce items, including the lettuce.”
Taylor Farms was linked to a 2013 cyclospora outbreak at Olive Garden and Red Lobster, and an October 2024 E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s linked to its slivered onions.
Open questions
Which brand names and retail locations are affected by the recall.
How long Taylor Farms was aware of potential contamination before the recall.
Whether other products from the same facility may also be contaminated.
Key figures
Taylor Farms (producer)
Robert F Kennedy Jr (health secretary)
Dr Donald Prater (acting deputy commissioner for food at the FDA)
Taco Bell (restaurant chain)
Costco, Target, Walmart (retailers carrying Taylor Farms products)
Earthbound Farm (organic farm owned by Taylor Farms)
Sources: The Guardian
