A California-based farm, Taylor Farms, has been identified as a potential source of tainted iceberg lettuce linked to a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection causing severe diarrhea. The outbreak has led to thousands of illnesses and hospitalizations across the United States.
According to reports citing individuals familiar with the investigation, Taylor Farms, a prominent producer of salad kits and other produce, supplies iceberg lettuce that has been frequently consumed by those who fell ill. This connection has led investigators to suspect the product as a source of the contamination. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised consumers to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia due to the outbreak. Several Taco Bell menu items, including tacos and Crunchwrap Supremes, contain iceberg lettuce, prompting the fast-food chain to temporarily remove affected items as a precautionary measure.
Michigan has been particularly affected, reporting over 5,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, with more than 100 individuals hospitalized, according to the Associated Press and the CDC. State authorities in Michigan previously indicated that leafy greens were suspected based on interviews with over 1,000 patients.
In response to the investigation, Taylor Farms announced it is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico. The company stated that while an FDA traceback points to an independent farm representing less than 1% of the U.S. iceberg lettuce supply as the potential source, they have removed all lettuce from the region indefinitely. Taylor Farms clarified that none of its branded salad kits contain iceberg lettuce and that its kits are not associated with the outbreak. The company's products are sold at major grocery chains nationwide, including Safeway, Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart.
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis and is typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramping, bloating, and fatigue. No deaths have been reported in connection with this outbreak.
This is not the first time Taylor Farms has been linked to a foodborne illness outbreak. The company was previously associated with an E. coli outbreak at McDonald's, which affected 104 people and resulted in one death. A subsequent FDA inspection of a Taylor Farms facility found violations in its food safety procedures. Taylor Farms, which has production facilities across North America and Europe, also supplies lettuce to other major fast-food chains.