California-based vegetable producer Taylor Farms announced on Friday, July 17th, 2026, that it will remove products potentially linked to a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak across the United States. The company stated, “Based on information provided yesterday by the FDA [Food and Drug Administration], Taylor Farms de Mexico is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.”

The Food and Drug Administration's traceback investigation points to a specific independent farm in central Mexico, representing less than 1% of the U.S. iceberg lettuce supply, as the potential source of the outbreak. Despite this, Taylor Farms has decided to remove all iceberg lettuce from the region indefinitely.

Taco Bell announced on Thursday, July 16th, 2026, that it was taking immediate action to remove lettuce from some of its stores after reports that the FDA was investigating Taylor Farms as a possible source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the source late Thursday and advised consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Between May 13 and July 13, 2026, a total of 1,644 people who ate at Taco Bell in these five states became sick from cyclospora, with 94 hospitalizations reported. Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause weeks of diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It is rarely fatal, and no deaths have been reported during this outbreak.

The CDC stated that the FDA is working with the supplier to determine if potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce remains on the market, including in other states. Taco Bell has committed to stop using any lettuce from the supplier identified by the FDA's traceback investigation.

Taylor Farms expressed commitment to addressing the issue, supporting the ongoing investigation, and helping restore trust.

Sources