Taylor Farms Iceberg Lettuce Linked to Explosive Diarrhoea Outbreak, Officials Confirm

Mon Sep 14 2026 08:55:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

FDA confirms a sample from Taylor Farms lettuce carries the Cyclospora parasite, prompting recalls and caution in Taco Bell outlets across five states.

A supplier-filtered sample of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms tested positive for the Cyclospora parasite that caused a severe diarrhoea outbreak across the United States. Taylor Farms, which feeds the popular fast‑food chain Taco Bell, has voluntarily removed all Mexican‑sourced iceberg lettuce and issued a recall for 27 states, though the affected lot is not part of the current recall. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report at least 94 hospitalised cases and advise consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell stores in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The company has halted distribution of the implicated product and is cooperating with regulators to prevent further spread.

A sample of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, a supplier to the fast‑food chain Taco Bell, has tested positive for the Cyclospora parasite that sparked a large‑scale diarrhoea outbreak across the United States.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the sample was taken from a product not part of the company’s current voluntary recall announced on Friday. Taylor Farms has voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and issued a recall for 27 states.

Since the outbreak began on 13 May, at least 94 people have been hospitalised with cyclospora‑associated diarrhoea, though no deaths have been reported. Symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear, including watery diarrhoea, sudden weight loss and loss of appetite.

The CDC links the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms sold at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. The fast‑food chain has removed the affected lettuce from its menu and has completed the removal at all impacted locations.

Taylor Farms stated it has stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution of the Mexican‑sourced iceberg lettuce, notified its customers and is working closely with the FDA, CDC and state authorities.

Consumers are advised to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell outlets in the affected states until the situation is resolved. Officials continue to monitor the supply chain and investigate the source of the contamination.