A sample of iceberg lettuce from the food supplier Taylor Farms has tested positive for the parasite responsible for a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands across the United States, officials announced.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that Taylor Farms, a supplier for Taco Bell, confirmed the positive sample was from a product not included in its earlier voluntary recall. This recall, announced on Friday, involved all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and included a list of affected products.
No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak, but at least 94 individuals have been hospitalized due to the cyclosporiasis infections. Symptoms of the foodborne illness can appear up to two weeks after exposure and include watery diarrhea, sudden weight loss, and loss of appetite.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thousands of people have been infected with Cyclospora, linked to iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and distributed to Taco Bell restaurants in at least five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The CDC has advised consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in these states.
Taco Bell has stated that it has completed the removal of affected Taylor Farms lettuce from its restaurants. The lettuce in question was also recalled in 27 states and includes Marketside-branded iceberg lettuce sold at Walmart locations in 15 states, according to the FDA.
Taylor Farms has confirmed it has stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico, and notified its customers. The company is continuing to cooperate with the FDA, CDC, and state health authorities. The FDA collected the positive sample during targeted surveillance of imports as part of its ongoing investigation into the outbreak.