FDA Apologizes to Taylor Farms After Cyclospora Test Confirmed as False Positive; Agency Has No Confirmed Product Tests Linking Lettuce to Outbreak

A multistate cyclospora outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from supplier Taylor Farms served at Taco Bell locations.

Federal health officials from the CDC and FDA have been investigating a widespread cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five U.S. states — Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The lettuce was identified as coming from Mexico and linked to Taylor Farms. In a significant development, the FDA has formally apologized to Taylor Farms after determining that an earlier positive Cyclospora test result from a Taylor Farms lettuce sample was a false positive, following expert re-examination of the results. Notably, the FDA currently has no confirmed positive product test results for Cyclospora from any source, even as the outbreak continues to grow. Despite the reversal and apology, Taylor Farms had already expanded its recall of shredded iceberg lettuce across 27 states, with Connecticut among the affected states. Taylor Farms has not specified where all recalled products were served or sold, and officials warn that more products may follow as the investigation continues. The outbreak involves cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, contracted through consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms can include explosive watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fatigue lasting weeks if untreated. While rarely life-threatening according to the CDC, the illness can have severe effects on those infected. The United States is currently experiencing historically high case levels of cyclosporiasis, with the outbreak expected to continue for weeks. The outbreak has expanded geographically, with cases now reported in more than half of U.S. states. Wake County, North Carolina reported more than 30 new cyclosporiasis diagnoses in a single day, pushing the county's total to 270 cases. North Carolina's statewide confirmed cases had previously grown from 148 to 307. Both North Carolina and Utah health officials have clarified that their states' rising case counts are not connected to the Taco Bell lettuce outbreak, and the sources of infections in those states remain undetermined. In response to the outbreak, North Carolina shoppers are increasingly turning to locally grown produce sold at the State Farmer's Market, boosting sales for local farmers. Taco Bell has issued a public statement declaring its food safe, announcing via social media that all lettuce served at its locations has been cleared and urging customers to return. The chain had previously proactively removed lettuce from some store locations during the height of the investigation. Taco Bell is now facing at least three lawsuits related to the outbreak, including one filed by an Army veteran who claims he was hospitalized as a result of consuming contaminated food at the chain. Food safety attorney Bill Marler, who is involved in the litigation, has described the outbreak as a failure in food safety standards. Health officials and doctors across multiple states are urging the public to pay close attention to how they wash produce, with proper washing techniques cited as a key preventive measure. The outbreak has also rattled broader markets, with Chipotle's shares falling amid investor concern over potential spillover effects on the fast-casual dining sector.

Why it matters

Multistate foodborne outbreaks linked to major produce suppliers can affect large numbers of people across wide geographies before the source is identified. Consumers in the affected states who recently ate at Taco Bell and developed gastrointestinal symptoms may want to seek medical attention.

What's next

Officials are continuing their investigation into Taylor Farms and the scope of the outbreak; consumers should watch for any formal recall notices or public health advisories from the CDC or FDA.

Key facts

• The outbreak involves Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis
• Shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms is the suspected vehicle of contamination
• Taco Bell restaurants are the fast-food chain linked to the outbreak
• At least four states are affected: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky
• Taylor Farms is a large commercial produce supplier serving multiple restaurant chains

Bias & framing notes

Both sources agree on the core facts — Taylor Farms lettuce at Taco Bell linked to a multistate cyclospora outbreak — but neither provided confirmed case counts, official agency confirmation, or statements from Taylor Farms or Taco Bell, limiting specificity. The Guardian framed officials as still 'looking at' Taylor Farms as a potential source, slightly more cautious than lehighvalleylive/AL.com, which stated the link more definitively.

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