FDA Confirms Cyclospora Contamination in Taylor Farms Lettuce Sample

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said a shredded iceberg lettuce sample from a Taylor Farms subsidiary in Mexico tested positive for cyclospora, the parasite linked to recent diarrheal illness outbreaks in several states. The positive result came from a product not covered by existing recalls and was collected during an ongoing investigation.

"Taylor Farms has confirmed that this positive product is not part of their current recall. They are currently working to identify whether any part of this implicated lot is available in commerce or in consumers' homes," officials said. The FDA has detained the contaminated product. Taylor Farms de Mexico previously announced a voluntary removal of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market, including Marketside brand packages sold at major retailers. Taco Bell also said it would pull lettuce from select locations after health officials connected the chain to the outbreak. Health experts note that multiple sources could be contributing to the cyclospora cases.