Lettuce-linked parasitic outbreak 2026
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Lettuce-linked parasitic outbreak spreads
An outbreak of cyclosporiasis has been linked to recalled iceberg lettuce.
Walmart, under its in-house brand Marketside, received 109,476 cases (about 46%) of recalled whole and shredded iceberg lettuce.
Michigan's health department stated on Aug. 13 that it had 13,909 cases, including the first two deaths identified in the nationwide outbreak.
Cyclospora outbreak in Nebraska and Iowa linked to Taylor Farms lettuce
As of Wednesday, the CDC was reporting 6,358 illnesses in 15 states connected to the lettuce.
As of July 29, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department had reported 33 confirmed cases.
The CDC confirmed that cyclospora cases in Nebraska and Iowa are connected to a national outbreak sourced to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce.
Consumer Reports advises against avoiding fruits and vegetables due to Cyclospora
The CDC and FDA have identified at least seven distinct outbreaks of cyclosporiasis so far this summer.
The FDA retracted its announcement that a sample of Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce tested positive for cyclospora, stating it was a false positive.
The infections have resulted in at least 740 hospitalizations and two deaths.
Trump funding cuts slowed government cyclosporiasis response
Michigan alone has reported more than 5,000 cases while the CDC has verified only 1,645 domestic cases.
Dr. Joel Barratt led the federal lab responsible for identifying parasitic outbreaks and resigned after his team was reduced from 11 people to 3.
Barratt is now an associate professor at the Emory University School of Medicine.
FDA says Taylor Farms Cyclospora lettuce test was a false positive
The FDA did not include an apology in the agency language provided with the story.
No deaths have been reported in connection with the Cyclospora outbreak.
The FDA said a Taylor Farms lettuce sample initially reported as positive for Cyclospora should be considered a false positive following an additional laboratory review.
“Due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive,”
Taylor Farms lettuce recall expands after Cyclospora-positive sample
Taco Bell voluntarily removed potentially affected lettuce from the supplier in select states where illnesses have been reported.
A sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico tested positive for Cyclospora.
Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico due to potential Cyclospora contamination.
“The company has stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution of the iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico, notified our customers, and we are continuing to work with the FDA, CDC, and state authorities.”