Taylor Farms is voluntarily recalling iceberg lettuce across 27 states due to a potential contamination with the Cyclospora parasite. This action follows an outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell.
Both Taco Bell and Walmart have taken precautionary measures, removing the implicated lettuce from their establishments. The CDC has identified symptoms of Cyclosporiasis, including flu-like symptoms and watery diarrhea.
Taylor Farms Recalls Iceberg Lettuce Across 27 States Amid Cyclosporiasis Outbreak
Date: July 17, 2026
Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier, has initiated a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico due to potential contamination with the Cyclospora parasite. This recall affects products distributed across 27 states in the U.S.
Key Developments:
- Recall Scope: Taylor Farms is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico from the U.S. market.
- Affected States: The recall impacts products distributed between June 29 and July 16 in states including Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Texas. California and New York were noted as not being part of the recall.
- Taco Bell's Precaution: Prior to the official recall, Taco Bell had already removed iceberg lettuce from its restaurants due to the outbreak.
- Walmart's Action: Walmart announced it had removed four bagged iceberg lettuce salad products from select locations as a precautionary measure after being notified by its supplier, despite no indication of affected products in their stores.
- Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis: The FDA states that infections with the Cyclospora parasite can lead to flu-like symptoms and watery diarrhea with frequent bowel movements.
Background of the Outbreak:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked a cyclosporiasis outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states, including Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan. While the FDA's traceback points to a specific independent farm, representing less than 1% of the U.S. iceberg lettuce supply, as the potential source, Taylor Farms has decided to indefinitely remove all iceberg lettuce from the region.
Company Statements:
In a statement, Taylor Farms emphasized its commitment to customer safety: "While the FDA traceback is indicating a specific independent farm that represents less than 1% of the U.S.'s iceberg lettuce supply as the potential source of the outbreak, we have removed all iceberg lettuce from the region indefinitely."
A Walmart spokesperson stated, "The health and safety of our customers is a top priority. Although there is no indication that products sold in our stores are affected by the current Cyclospora investigations, we have removed four bagged iceberg lettuce salad products from select locations as a precaution after receiving notice from our supplier." The spokesperson also confirmed that there have been no confirmed illnesses associated with these products at this time.
What is Cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People typically become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite's oocysts. Symptoms often include frequent, often watery, bowel movements, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps/pain, bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting.
