Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce Infects Over 9,400 Across 17 States
A multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Fresh Farms' iceberg lettuce has resulted in more than 9,400 confirmed cases in 17 states, marking the largest such outbreak in U.S. history.
A cyclospora outbreak in 2026 has been traced to iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Fresh Farms, leading to more than 9,400 confirmed infections across 17 states as of Aug. 13. Health officials said the outbreak is the largest cyclospora event recorded in the United States.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration estimates that foodborne illnesses affect roughly one in six Americans each year, with norovirus, campylobacter and salmonella among the most common pathogens.
For historical context, a 1994 salmonella outbreak linked to ice cream produced in Minnesota infected an estimated 224,000 people, making it one of the most extensive foodborne incidents in recent decades. The ice cream was distributed using tanker trailers that also carried unpasteurized liquid eggs, and the company involved later ceased operations in 2024.
A 2025 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office noted that the overall scale of foodborne illness remains uncertain because only a small fraction of cases are diagnosed and reported to public health authorities.