A false positive test for the parasite cyclospora in a Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce sample does not change the basis for an ongoing federal investigation into a multistate outbreak, acting U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Kyle Diamantas announced Monday.
The correction follows an outbreak of cyclosporiasis that has sickened 1,947 people and led to 98 hospitalizations, according to data from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
False Positive Correction
False Positive Correction
The FDA previously reported on July 18, 2026, that a sample of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico had tested positive for the parasite. However, the agency clarified on July 19, 2026, that laboratory experts re-reviewed the results and concluded the finding did not represent true amplification.
Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said during a call with reporters on Monday that the error was due to the complexity involved in detecting the parasite. Diamantas emphasized that the error does not change the epidemiological data supporting the current investigation or the voluntary recall of certain lettuce products.
"I want to stress that our investigation continues, including into other potential sources and commodities for other clusters of illnesses," Diamantas said during the Monday call.
While Taylor Farms issued a statement on Sunday claiming the FDA apologized for the mistaken result, an FDA official stated during the Monday call that the agency explained the technical issues factually but did not offer an official apology.
Scope of the Outbreak
Scope of the Outbreak
The outbreak is primarily linked to shredded iceberg lettuce provided by Taylor Farms that was sold in many Taco Bell restaurants across the United States. As of a July 24, 2026, update from the FDA, the investigation has expanded to include nine states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
According to the CDC, there have been 1,947 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis associated with exposure to Taco Bell, with 98 of those cases resulting in hospitalization. No deaths have been reported in connection to the outbreak. The FDA noted that case counts are expected to rise as it can take up to six weeks for officials to determine if a sick individual is part of the specific outbreak.
The FDA's traceback investigation continues to converge on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms' locations in central Mexico. The agency maintains a recommendation for the public to avoid all products listed in the Taylor Farms voluntary recall.
Recall and Product Details
Recall and Product Details
Taylor Farms de Mexico announced on July 17, 2026, that it was voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The recall includes Marketside-brand products sold at Walmart, specifically 12-oz or 24-oz Iceberg Salad and 8-oz or 16-oz Shredded Lettuce with 'Best if Used By' dates ranging from July 18 to August 3, 2026.
In addition to retail products, Taylor Fresh Foods distributed recalled iceberg lettuce products from June 29 through July 16, 2026, to various regions including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Taco Bell has indicated it is no longer using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico as of July 17, 2026.
Health Risks and Symptoms: Cyclospora Symptoms
Cyclospora infection typically causes diarrhea, which may be accompanied by frequent bowel movements. Other common symptoms reported include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea, and fatigue.
Some patients may also experience vomiting, body aches, headache, and fever. While some infected individuals show no symptoms, the illness can lead to dehydration and severe complications that may require higher levels of medical care. These complications can last from a few days to a month or longer, and symptoms may relapse.
Health Risks and Symptoms
