The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers, restaurants, and retailers to discard all recalled iceberg lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods due to its suspected link to an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak. The recalled lettuce was distributed between June 29 and July 16 across 27 states.
The FDA also cautioned against consuming recalled lettuce found at Taco Bell or other dining establishments. Consumers are encouraged to inquire about the source of iceberg lettuce if unsure, the agency stated.
To mitigate the risk of cyclosporiasis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing all fruits and vegetables under running water, even those labeled as pre-washed. For firm produce like cucumbers and melons, the CDC suggests using a produce brush.
While cooking produce to an internal temperature of at least 158°F can eliminate the Cyclospora parasite, some food safety experts maintain that consuming items like Caesar salads or burgers with shredded greens is likely safe. One expert noted they have not altered their personal eating habits and continue to consume salads daily.
Although the FDA previously retracted a positive Cyclospora test result, the agency continues to identify iceberg lettuce as a potential source of the outbreak causing diarrhea.