Full Breakdown
Cyclospora Outbreak Tied to Taylor Farms Iceberg Lettuce
7/28/2026, 12:34:37 AM
Outbreak Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that a large cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has sickened at least 1,947 people and resulted in 98 hospitalizations. The outbreak, which began earlier in the year, now involves ten states.
Source and Recall
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and grown in central Mexico as the likely source. In response, Taylor Farms recalled bagged iceberg lettuce sold in 27 states on July 17. The recalled product was distributed to restaurants, retail stores and food-service distributors, including Taco Bell and Walmart, though the company has not detailed the specific locations or product codes affected.
Geographic Spread and Case Numbers
The outbreak now includes Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, adding to earlier-reported cases in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia. Nationwide, the CDC has confirmed or is investigating more than 11,500 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasite typically spread through food or water contaminated with human feces. Health experts note that the true number of infections is likely higher because many symptomatic individuals are never tested.
Official Responses
Federal officials are investigating the current outbreak while also monitoring a separate incident announced by the FDA that involves 72 cases of cyclosporiasis with an as-yet-unidentified source. The CDC emphasizes that reporting delays and varying state definitions can cause discrepancies between state and federal case counts.
Seasonal Context and Ongoing Investigation
Cyclosporiasis cases usually peak between May 1 and August 31, the period during which most of the reported illnesses have occurred. State health departments continue to update their numbers, and the CDC expects the seasonal surge to subside by the scheduled end of the reporting period on August 31. Ongoing investigations aim to determine whether additional food items or distribution channels contributed to the spread.
