A sample of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms has tested positive for the parasite Cyclospora, identified as the cause of a widespread diarrhoea outbreak affecting thousands in the United States, officials announced on Sunday, July 19th, 2026.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the sample was collected during targeted surveillance as part of the ongoing investigation. Taylor Farms, which supplies Taco Bell and Walmart, confirmed the positive product is not part of their current recall.

Taylor Farms voluntarily removed all iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico from the US market on Friday, July 17th, 2026, and issued a list of affected products. This includes Marketside-branded iceberg lettuce sold at Walmart locations in 15 states. The company stated it has stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution, notified customers, and is cooperating with the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state authorities.

The CDC reported thousands of Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce sold at Taco Bell locations across at least five states. No deaths have been reported, but at least 94 people have been hospitalized due to the infections, which were first detected on May 13th, 2026.

Authorities continue to investigate whether any products from the implicated lot remain in commerce or consumers' homes.

Sources