Taylor Farms Initiates Product Removal Amid Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Taylor Farms, one of the United States’ largest producers of leafy greens and fresh vegetables, announced the removal of certain products linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. This outbreak has reportedly affected over 1,600 individuals.

The company, based in Salinas, California, found itself under scrutiny as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) connected the outbreak to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms to specific Taco Bell locations. These insights were corroborated by two unnamed federal officials.

In response, Taylor Farms stated in an email that they had initiated a voluntary product removal. This decision followed information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received earlier in the week. Taylor Farms affirmed their commitment to proactive measures in the situation.

Founded in 1995 by Bruce Taylor, Taylor Farms has grown from its roots in California’s Salinas Valley into a giant in the vegetable industry. The region is often referred to as the salad bowl of the world. Taylor Farms now generates over $7 billion in revenue from produce sales annually. It operates across more than 12 U.S. states, as well as in Mexico and Canada, boasting 30 processing facilities and a workforce of 25,000.

Despite its size, much of the company’s retail and restaurant distribution remains undisclosed. Like other food producers, Taylor Farms does not specify which grocery chains or restaurants carry their leafy greens or other produce.