Federal health officials confirmed 11,458 cases of cyclospora infection across 20 states, marking the largest outbreak of its kind in U.S. history. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration linked the infections to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
Taylor Farms de Mexico voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce from central Mexico on July 17, 2026, including Marketside-brand "Iceberg Salad" sold at Walmart in 12-ounce and 24-ounce packages and "Shredded Lettuce" in 8-ounce and 16-ounce sizes. The products bore "Best if Used By" dates from July 18 to Aug. 3, 2026. Taco Bell stopped sourcing lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico on July 17.
Since the CDC's last update on Aug. 20, state and local health officials continued reporting new cases, adding Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas to the list of affected states. Most illnesses began before the recall.
Cyclospora causes diarrhea and frequent bowel movements in most infected people. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Some patients experience vomiting, body aches, headache, and fever; others show no symptoms.
Untreated infections can lead to dehydration and severe complications. Symptoms may persist for weeks or months and can recur after appearing to clear. Immunocompromised individuals face heightened risk of severe illness and complications requiring close medical attention.
The FDA and CDC are conducting onsite inspections and sampling at iceberg lettuce growers and the processing facility in Mexico in coordination with Mexican officials. All recalled lettuce has passed its best-by date and should no longer be available for purchase.
