A cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce has reached 6,358 cases across 15 states, making it the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in U.S. history, according to CDC and FDA updates through August 5, 2026.
Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17, 2026, after the CDC and FDA identified the product as the source of the multistate outbreak. The recalled lettuce was distributed to at least 27 states and sold at retailers including Walmart and Taco Bell locations.
The outbreak has resulted in 278 hospitalizations and 2 deaths, both reported in Michigan on August 3. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis typically begin about one week after consuming contaminated food and include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, cramping, nausea, and fatigue. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for days to a month or longer.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is not naturally found in the United States and is typically associated with contaminated imported fresh produce. The CDC notes that the parasite reproduces in the small intestine after ingestion and can be treated with antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (sold as Bactrim or Septra).
The 2026 outbreak is part of a broader cyclosporiasis season that began May 1. The CDC has received reports of 10,468 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis since May 1, with 517 hospitalizations and 2 deaths across 47 states. Multiple outbreaks are under investigation, though the Taylor Farms cluster is by far the largest.
When comparable cyclospora outbreaks have occurred in the past, they have typically been traced to contaminated produce imported from Mexico or other countries. In 2020, a cyclospora outbreak in Germany linked to contaminated imported salad resulted in cases across Europe, demonstrating the parasite’s ability to spread through commercial food supply chains.
The FDA is continuing its investigation to determine how the lettuce became contaminated. Authorities recommend that consumers discard any recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce and wash surfaces and items that may have touched the product. Cooking produce to at least 158°F (70°C) can kill the parasite, though washing alone is not guaranteed to remove it.
Healthcare providers are urged to test patients with compatible symptoms for Cyclospora, as routine stool tests do not always screen for the parasite. The CDC recommends that anyone experiencing persistent or severe diarrhea after consuming fresh produce seek medical care and inform their healthcare provider of potential produce exposure.
Sources
- CDC — Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce case counts, hospitalizations, deaths, and state distribution as of August 5, 2026
- FDA — Investigation of 15-state outbreak linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce recall issued July 17, 2026
- CDC — Surveillance of cyclosporiasis, symptoms, treatment, and national case reporting since May 1, 2026
- Washington Post — Expansion of outbreak to 15 states with 6,358 confirmed cases
- Stanford Medicine — Expert context on cyclospora parasite transmission through imported produce
