Lettuce-linked parasitic outbreak 2026
One page that accretes the verified record as the story develops. Every fact keeps its date and its sources.
Lettuce-linked parasitic outbreak spreads
The CDC pinpointed 13,895 laboratory-confirmed cases across 47 states between May 1 and its latest update on Aug. 10.
Yum! Brands received only 5,900 of the 236,192 total recalled lettuce cases, less than 2.5%.
At least 9,481 cases were confirmed as being part of the lettuce-related outbreak as of the latest update.
Cyclospora outbreak in Nebraska and Iowa linked to Taylor Farms lettuce
As of Wednesday, the CDC website showed 92 reported cyclosporiasis illnesses in Nebraska and 83 in Iowa.
Cases tied to this outbreak were first reported in June.
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 infections have resulted in at least 740 hospitalizations and two deaths.
The recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce is past its use-by date and is likely not in stores or being served at restaurants.
No source has been identified for six out of the seven outbreaks currently under investigation.
Trump funding cuts slowed government cyclosporiasis response
Barratt is now an associate professor at the Emory University School of Medicine.
Nearly $30 million in funding disappeared from Barratt's CDC division when Trump cut the US Agency for International Development.
More than 7,000 cases of cyclospora have been confirmed or are under investigation nationally, with more than 100 hospitalizations and no deaths reported.
FDA says Taylor Farms Cyclospora lettuce test was a false positive
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.
The recall includes iceberg lettuce distributed to retail stores, restaurants and other food-service customers.
Taylor Fresh Foods said the FDA apologized to the company over the erroneous result.
“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
Taylor Farms said none of its branded salad kits are implicated in the outbreak.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, fatigue and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Taco Bell voluntarily removed potentially affected lettuce from the supplier in select states where illnesses have been reported.
“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.”