Taylor Farms, a produce supplier, has been identified as the source of iceberg lettuce linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people across at least five states. The company's products are sold at prominent retailers such as Target, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Amazon Fresh, according to its website. However, there is no current indication that any of the potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce reached store shelves.
The outbreak is under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and public health officials. The CDC website states that the investigation is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states. The fast-food chain has voluntarily removed the produce in question from its supply chain indefinitely.
The FDA is working with the supplier to determine if contaminated lettuce was distributed elsewhere. While federal agencies have not officially named the supplier, sources familiar with the matter told The Washington Post and Associated Press that it is Taylor Farms. The company has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding whether lettuce from the same batch was sent to other establishments.