🔥 Trending FDA Clarifies Cyclospora Test Results in Taylor Farms Lettuce Outbreak

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided a significant update regarding the Cyclospora outbreak investigation, specifically addressing a previously reported positive test result for Cyclospora in lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico ⁴⁵⁷.

Initial Investigation and Recall

In July 2026, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local health officials, began investigating a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections ¹²³. The outbreak was linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations and sold at retail stores in five states ¹²³. On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico due to the ongoing investigation ³.

False Positive Finding

On July 19, 2026, the FDA announced that a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which had previously tested positive for Cyclospora on July 18, 2026, was a false positive ⁴⁵⁶⁷. Experts re-examined the sample results, leading to this revised conclusion ⁴. The FDA acknowledged the complexity in detecting Cyclospora, which contributed to the initial misidentification ⁶. Taylor Farms also indicated that the FDA had apologized for the false positive finding ⁷.

Impact on the Investigation

While the specific lettuce sample from Taylor Farms de Mexico was a false positive, the overall investigation into the Cyclospora outbreak continues ⁴⁶. The CDC, FDA, and public health officials are still investigating Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce across five states ²³. As of July 15, 2026, the CDC confirmed 1,645 cyclosporiasis cases across 34 states, with an additional 5,100 cases under review, indicating a widespread outbreak ⁸. The FDA continues to check lettuce and other produce as part of its ongoing efforts to identify the source of the infections ⁸. Consumers are still advised not to eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico ².