FDA still seeks cause of cyclosporiasis outbreak
By: Melina Khen
USA Today
..... Federal health officials are continuing to test food items for cyclospora after walking back its statement about discovering a match in one sample of iceberg lettuce for the parasite that had caused thousands of people nationwide to fall sick.
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After a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms that was not part of the company's recall tested positive for cyclospora July 18, [2026] the Food and drug administration said July 19 [2026] the test was found to be a false postie after further review.
..... As of July 19, [2026] here are no confirmed positive results for samples tested for cyclospora, the FDA said. However, the agency said it is still working with Taylor Farms as it continues to investigate the source of the outbreak.
..... "To be clear, at this moment, FDA has not identified a single positive product test result for cyclospora," the company said. Still Taylor Farms on July 17 [2026] issued and has since completed an expansive voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce products form central Mexico as a result of the outbreak and investigation, which initially connected the illnesses to lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico sold in part through Taco Bell locations in five states.
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cases of cyclosporais is - the illness caused by the parasite - have surged in more than 30 states in recent weeks. People who contract the illness usually have "explosive diarrhea and other severe gastrointestinal issues.
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On July 17, [2026] Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico because it could be contaminated with cyclospora. It recalled both lettuce products served at Taco bell restaurants as well as certain bagged lettuce products sold at Walmart under the Marketside brand.
..... Taylor farms said in a statement that none of tis other products, including those available for purchase, are involved in the recall.
..... "Our thoughts remain with everyone who has fallen ill in this outbreak," the comp;any said. "We are committed to working with public health authorities as the ongoing outbreak investigation continues."
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The recalled Walmart products are the only retail items that have been pulled from shelves. The rest of the products were distributed for food service. "The helaht and safety of our customers is a top priority," Walmart said in a statement July 18. [2026]
..... The affected items include 12-ounce and 24-ounce Marketside Iceberg Salad bags and 8-ounce and 16-ounce MArketside Shredded Lettuce. According to the FDA, they were sold at Walmart stores in 15 states.
..... The products can be identified by "Best if Use By" dates ranging from July 18 through August 3. [2026] Anyone with the affected products should discard or return then for a refund.
..... Taco Bell - which, according to federal officials, used iceberg lettuce connected to the outbreak - said July 17 [2026] that it pulled the product from restaurants.
..... "Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell worked swiftly to voluntarily remove the product form restaurants and the affected ingredient has been removed from our supply chain nationwide," the company said in a statement.
..... Contributing: Mike Snider ad Anthony Thompson, USA Today; Reuters