Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce: Nearly 2,000 Sickened in 9 States

A major Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce has now sickened nearly 2,000 people across nine U.S. states, according to the latest update from the CDC and FDA. The multistate foodborne illness outbreak — tied to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and recalled by Taylor Farms de Mexico — has caused almost 100 hospitalizations and is expected to keep growing even though the recalled lettuce has been off the market since mid-July. Here is what consumers need to know about the cyclosporiasis outbreak, the recalled products, symptoms to watch for, and how to protect yourself.

What Is Cyclospora?

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection. People become infected after eating food or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Unlike many foodborne germs, Cyclospora must spend time outside the body before it becomes infectious, which is why outbreaks are usually traced back to produce contaminated during growing, harvesting, or packing — not to person-to-person spread.

The Outbreak at a Glance

As of the CDC’s July 24, 2026 update, the investigation includes:

• 1,947 confirmed cases of Cyclospora infection with reported exposure to Taco Bell
• 98 hospitalizations and, so far, no deaths reported
• Illnesses starting between June 22 and July 20, 2026
• Cases reported from nine states: Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
• A recall initiated July 17, 2026 covering all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico by Taylor Farms de Mexico
• Taco Bell announced it would no longer use lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico as of July 17

Health officials warn the case count will continue to rise. Because it can take up to six weeks to confirm whether a sick person is part of the outbreak, more cases linked to this event are expected despite the recall.

Recalled Products: What to Check

Taylor Fresh Foods’ recall includes Marketside-brand products sold at Walmart, described as:

• Iceberg Salad, 12-oz or 24-oz
• Shredded Lettuce, 8-oz or 16-oz
• Products with “Best if Used By” dates of July 18 to August 3, 2026

The recalled iceberg lettuce was also distributed to restaurants, retailers, and food service customers — including Taco Bell locations — in at least 27 states between June 29 and July 16, 2026. The FDA has confirmed that shredded iceberg lettuce and salad kits from the company tested positive for the Cyclospora parasite.

What to do: Do not eat recalled lettuce. Throw it out or return it for a full refund at the place of purchase. Clean any surfaces, containers, and utensils that touched the recalled lettuce with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher.

Symptoms of Cyclosporiasis

Symptoms typically begin about one week after infection, though onset can range from two days to two weeks or more. Common symptoms include:

• Watery diarrhea (often with frequent bowel movements)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Stomach cramps and bloating
• Increased gas and nausea
• Fatigue
• Less commonly, vomiting, body aches, headache, and fever

Without treatment, symptoms can last from a few days to more than a month, and some people relapse after seeming to recover. People with weakened immune systems can experience more severe, longer-lasting illness. Some infected people have no symptoms at all.

Treatment: See a Doctor and Ask for Testing

If you develop watery diarrhea, especially after eating shredded iceberg lettuce in the two weeks before you got sick, contact your healthcare provider. Cyclosporiasis is treatable — usually with a course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX, sold under brand names such as Bactrim or Septra). It is important to note that routine stool tests do not always screen for Cyclospora, so you may need to specifically request testing for the parasite. Stay well-hydrated while symptoms last.

How to Reduce Your Risk

• Do not eat any recalled lettuce — throw it away or return it
• Wash hands, produce, and kitchen surfaces thoroughly
• Wash fresh produce under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking
• Cooking kills the parasite — heat produce to at least 158°F (70°C)
• If local or state health officials contact you, answer their questions — it helps solve outbreaks
• Stay up to date on current recalls and outbreak investigations

A Busy Summer for Produce Safety

The lettuce outbreak is not the only active food safety event. The FDA currently lists about a dozen ongoing foodborne outbreak investigations, including four separate Cyclospora events and three Salmonella investigations. The CDC has also issued a Health Alert Network notice for this outbreak to alert clinicians and public health departments nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cyclospora and how do you get it?

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness. You get it by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite — most often fresh produce like lettuce, berries, and herbs that was contaminated during growing or packing.

Which lettuce is recalled?

All iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico by Taylor Farms de Mexico, including Marketside Iceberg Salad (12-oz or 24-oz) and Shredded Lettuce (8-oz or 16-oz) sold at Walmart with Best if Used By dates from July 18 to August 3, 2026, plus lettuce distributed to food service customers in 27 states.

How long after eating contaminated lettuce do you get sick?

Symptoms usually begin about one week after infection, but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks or more after exposure.

Is the Cyclospora outbreak still ongoing?

Yes. The CDC and FDA investigations remain active, and more cases are expected to be confirmed over the coming weeks due to reporting delays.

How is cyclosporiasis treated?

It is typically treated with a course of the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). If you have symptoms, see a healthcare provider and ask whether you should be tested for Cyclospora.

Should I stop eating lettuce entirely?

No. The recall applies to specific products from Taylor Farms de Mexico. Check labels, avoid recalled lots, wash all fresh produce under running water, and cook produce when possible to kill parasites.

Sources

This article is based on the latest public health information from the CDC (Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Iceberg Lettuce in 9 States), the FDA (Investigation of 9-State Outbreak of Cyclospora Illnesses: Iceberg Lettuce), Taylor Fresh Foods’ recall notice, and coverage by Food Safety News and Forbes. Figures reflect the CDC/FDA update of July 24, 2026.