Cyclospora — recalled iceberg lettuce (21 states, 2026)

closed-recalled Cyclospora cayetanensis iceberg lettuce Central Mexico

First reported: 2026-07-14 · Data as of: 2026-09-11

Latest official update · 2026-09-11

CDC declares outbreak over; 12,883 cases in 21 states

CDC declared this outbreak over as of September 11, 2026. The number of recent infections linked to the outbreak has significantly declined.
Final counts are 12,883 cases, at least 570 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths in Michigan, across 21 states.
Illness onsets ranged from June 14 to August 17, 2026.
Processed iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico (central Mexico) was recalled July 17, 2026.
The best-by dates for all product linked to this outbreak have passed, and the product is no longer available in stores or restaurants.
FDA continues the outbreak investigation of Cyclospora infections linked to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico.
As of July 19, 2026, there are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for Cyclospora. Samples from the onsite inspections are pending analysis.
Investigation methods included epidemiologic interviews, traceback converging on a single supplier, Cyclospora genotyping showing parasites were genetically related across cases, and ingredient-level food analyses.
At peak, more than 1,000 infections occurred in a single day before the recall; by August, fewer than 2 infections per day on average.
July 14: 400+ cases from 4 states.
July 24: 1,947 cases from 9 states.
August 5: 6,358 cases from 15 states.
August 27: 11,458 cases from 20 states.
September 11: final update, 12,883 cases from 21 states.

clear

Buyer guidance for iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico

What to do

This outbreak is over. No product action is needed; best-by dates for linked product have passed and the product is no longer available in stores or restaurants.
People with prolonged diarrhea should contact a healthcare provider.

What we don't know yet: The specific grower fields or contamination point have not been publicly named.; No confirmed positive product sample as of July 19, 2026; samples from onsite inspections are pending analysis.

CDC ↗CDC ↗CDC timeline ↗FDA update ↗FDA recall ↗FDA CORE ↗

Summary

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.

Recall initiated · 2026-07-17

Recalled product scope

Taylor Farms de Mexico: All iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico in the listed recall, including food-service products and Marketside retail products.

Marketside Iceberg Salad — 12 oz and 24 oz — best if used by July 18 through August 3, 2026
Marketside Shredded Lettuce — 8 oz and 16 oz — best if used by July 18 through August 3, 2026

Confirmed distribution (28 states): AL, AR, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV. Confirmed distribution does not prove illnesses occurred in every distribution state, and product may have traveled farther.

Traceback chain

FDA traceback investigation. Honest gap nodes indicate steps where the public investigation has not yet disclosed operator names.

farm Central Mexico growers [not publicly named] Central Mexico

supplier Taylor Farms de Mexico Guanajuato, Mexico ◼ 1 batch

distributor Taylor Fresh Foods distribution 28 confirmed U.S. states ◼ 1 batch

retailer Taco Bell, select Walmart stores, and food-service customers multi-state ◼ 1 batch

Known gaps: individual growers and fields have not been publicly named; no confirmed positive product sample as of July 19, 2026; samples from onsite inspections are pending analysis