Taylor Farms has initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico following a Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people across five states. The company has voluntarily removed the implicated product from the U.S. market, citing potential contamination with Cyclospora, according to a recall notice on its website.
The recalled shredded iceberg lettuce was distributed between June 29 and July 16 in 27 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. A comprehensive list of recalled products, lot codes, and use-by dates is available on the company's website.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier of the shredded iceberg lettuce consumed by individuals who became ill.
Taco Bell has confirmed that all affected Taylor Farms lettuce has been removed from its restaurants. The company stressed that none of its branded salads or kits are associated with the current outbreak and that its branded salad kits do not contain iceberg lettuce.
Cyclospora causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness characterized by prolonged diarrhea. Other symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, bloating, weight loss, and a low-grade fever. The FDA notes that individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and children may experience more severe illness.
Taylor Farms, headquartered in California, stated that it is working with the FDA, CDC, and state authorities. The company has stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution of the iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico, and notified its customers. Consumers who have purchased the recalled lettuce are advised to discard it immediately or seek a full refund from the place of purchase.
Consumers with questions can contact Taylor Farms customer care at 855-455-0098, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST. The company expressed deep concern for those who became ill and for the shaken public trust in the safety of fresh produce.