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CDC Links 18,000 Illnesses to Taylor Farms Lettuce Recall

7/29/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

CDC Traces Outbreak

CDC reported over 18,000 cyclosporiasis cases in 41 states linked to Taylor Farms lettuce at Taco Bell.
CDC added Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, raising the total to 1,947 cases, 98 hospitalizations and no deaths.
Michigan recorded 9,680 cases and 160 hospitalizations on July 28, up from 9,253 the day before.
Taylor Farms recalled lettuce on July 17 and halted Mexican production.
The FDA said a July 24 test was a false positive.

Summary

CDC Faces Cuts

CDC says case reporting lags six weeks and only 47 states require cyclosporiasis reports.
Because Cyclospora cannot be cultured, investigators use specialized molecular tests and patient interviews instead of whole-genome sequencing.
Staffing cuts after 2025 cut CDC personnel by 25-30% and reduced the parasitic disease team from 11 to three.
A CBS poll on July 26 found 40 % of Americans are buying or eating less produce because of the outbreak.

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CDC Traces Outbreak

CDC reported over 18,000 cyclosporiasis cases in 41 states linked to Taylor Farms lettuce at Taco Bell.
CDC added Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, raising the total to 1,947 cases, 98 hospitalizations and no deaths.
Michigan recorded 9,680 cases and 160 hospitalizations on July 28, up from 9,253 the day before.
Taylor Farms recalled lettuce on July 17 and halted Mexican production.
The FDA said a July 24 test was a false positive.

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