FDA Focuses on Taylor Farms Lettuce Linked to Cyclospora Outbreak

Federal health officials continue to investigate Taylor Farms as the source of a multistate outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite, despite previously inaccurate test results. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified a false positive for cyclospora on a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms over the weekend.

The FDA initially published the test results on Saturday but retracted them by Sunday, confirming the error as a false positive. The parasite outbreak was first linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell and affects five states. On Saturday, Taylor Farms recalled 25 shredded lettuce and salad mix products that are connected to eight brand codes used by various food chains and suppliers.

Donald Prater, FDA’s acting food chief, confirmed Monday that investigations are focusing on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in central Mexico. FDA staff are tracing the lettuce supply chain and testing produce crossing the U.S. border. Officials clarified that the false positive resulted from a rapid screening test for cyclospora. Although the sample appeared positive, it was not part of the previously recalled lettuce.

Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite, can infect food in contact with human waste, typically through contaminated irrigation or washing water. Ingesting cyclospora causes intestinal illness marked by intense and frequent bowel movements. As of 2026, the FDA and CDC report that cyclospora has sickened 1,645 people in the U.S., with 141 hospitalizations. Investigations are ongoing for five illness clusters, including the Taylor Farms connection.

FDA’s acting commissioner, Kyle Diamantas, acknowledged new cases linked to the outbreak were reported recently, highlighting the need to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers.

The outbreak impacts foot traffic at dining chains, with Taco Bell experiencing an 18.9% decline following federal investigation links. Chopt’s traffic reduced by 14.3%, Chipotle and Panera Bread saw nearly a 7% drop, and Cava experienced a 4.2% decrease. These figures are provided by Placer.ai, a firm tracking movements via cellphone usage.

Food safety investigators often face challenges linking recalled produce directly to foodborne illnesses, especially cyclospora, due to testing limitations. Direct biological connections are difficult since some tests cannot detect cyclospora, and its growth in labs is problematic. Investigations rely on consumption reports, case proximities, timing, and patterns.