Taylor Farms recalls shredded iceberg lettuce in 27 states amid rising Cyclospora cases
Taylor Farms is recalling shredded iceberg lettuce from its Mexico facility after the FDA linked the product to a growing Cyclospora outbreak affecting dozens of states.
Taylor Farms announced a recall of shredded iceberg lettuce distributed in 27 states after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) linked the product to a surge in Cyclospora infections. The recall includes lettuce batches shipped as recently as Thursday and originates from the company's Guanajuato, Mexico facility, which the agency said may be contaminated with the parasite.
The FDA has warned consumers to avoid the recalled lettuce, which has been served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, and noted that the investigation remains ongoing. > "FDA’s investigation is ongoing," the agency said, adding that additional brands, restaurants, retailers or distribution channels could be identified as the probe continues.
At least 1,600 cases have been tied to the recalled lettuce, but the total number of Cyclospora infections has risen sharply since late June, with Michigan alone reporting more than 5,000 cases. The outbreak now spans 34 states, though New York and Colorado, which are seeing higher-than-usual case numbers, were not included in the recall.
Taylor Farms did not specify the brand names or point-of-sale locations for the affected products, complicating efforts by stores, restaurants and consumers to identify the contaminated items. The company also supplies large retailers such as Costco, Target and Walmart and owns organic brand Earthbound Farm.
Officials said the investigation could expand to other produce grown or processed at the same facility, and that nearby producers might be at risk if they shared contaminated water sources. > "We are aware of the signal for lettuce," Dr. Donald Prater, acting deputy commissioner for food at the FDA, told journalists.
The recall follows meetings between Taylor Farms executives, White House officials and FDA representatives. The company has not responded to inquiries about why specific products were not identified or whether other items might be affected.