All foodborne outbreaks tracked by lettuce-watch. Each entry includes a traceback chain, strain-level cluster linkage, and at least three source citations.
7 outbreaks · data as of 2026-07-24
Multi-state outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to romaine lettuce harvested from the Yuma, Arizona growing region. Hospitalization rate was high (46%) and 26 cases developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). FDA traceback investigation identified contaminated irrigation water from a nearby cattle operation as the likely source.
CDC declared this Cyclospora outbreak over as of September 11, 2026. Final counts are 12,883 cases in 21 states, at least 570 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths in Michigan, with illness onsets from June 14 to August 17, 2026. The outbreak was linked to processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, sourced from central Mexico and recalled July 17, 2026. CDC reports that best-by dates for linked product have passed and the product is no longer available in stores or restaurants. FDA continues the outbreak investigation.
FDA closed this investigation, naming romaine lettuce as the cause. Total cases are 14. CDC declared the outbreak over as of July 29, 2026. Neither FDA nor CDC reported the name of the grower of the implicated romaine, and the growing region was not publicly confirmed. Hospitalization, HUS, and death counts were not published, and no state list was published.
