Taylor Farms pulls Mexican iceberg lettuce amid cyclospora outbreak

Taylor Farms announced on Friday that it is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce it sources from central Mexico for the U.S. market, though the company said no other Taylor Fresh Foods products are affected. Public health officials note that more than 8,260 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across several states, with the parasite thriving in hot summer weather and the outbreak potentially lasting until the end of August.

Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious disease specialist, said the decision to eat raw lettuce depends on individual risk tolerance and location. He noted that in California, where case numbers are low, he continues to eat salad.

"I'm a very risk-tolerant infectious disease doctor," Evans said.

He advised that older adults, pregnant people, young children, immunocompromised individuals and those with certain medical conditions consider avoiding leafy greens until the fall. For lower risk, he recommended cooking vegetables to at least 158 °F, which kills the parasite. For moderate risk, he suggested buying whole heads of lettuce, discarding outer leaves, and washing thoroughly, or choosing locally grown produce while monitoring local case numbers.

"In states or areas where there's a higher incidence, then I think using the mantra to peel it, boil it, cook it, or forget it is a good idea," Evans said.

He warned that pre-cut, bagged lettuce and salad kits have been common sources of past outbreaks, and other foods such as raspberries, snap peas, snow peas and fresh herbs have also been linked to cyclospora. Evans added that cooler temperatures later in the year should reduce the risk, though he called for improved detection and response systems.

"Once the temperatures start dipping, we should be in the clear again," Evans said.