July 18, 2026
OAK ISLAND, NC — Taylor Farms, based in Salinas, California, has issued a formal statement and initiated a voluntary removal of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico amid a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at select Taco Bell locations, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Taylor Farms said it took precautionary action after federal traceback data identified a single independent farm in central Mexico as the potential source of contaminated lettuce. The company noted the farm represents less than 1% of the U.S. iceberg lettuce supply but confirmed it has removed all iceberg lettuce from the region indefinitely.
In its July 17 statement, Taylor Farms said it is “deeply concerned for those who became ill, their families, and the Americans whose trust in the safety of fresh produce has been shaken.” The company confirmed it suspended distribution of iceberg lettuce from the implicated region, notified customers, and is working with FDA, CDC, and state health authorities as the investigation continues.
Taylor Farms also emphasized that no Taylor Farms branded salads or salad kits are associated with the outbreak, and none of its branded salad kits contain iceberg lettuce.
Federal investigation and outbreak details
CDC reports at least 1,644 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Illness onset dates range from May 13 to July 13, and 94 hospitalizations have been reported. No deaths have been identified.
FDA advises consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in the affected states. The agency also confirmed Taylor Farms notified regulators that it would initiate a recall.
Taylor Farms retail salad kits sold in grocery stores are not part of this recall and do not contain the implicated iceberg lettuce.
Taylor Farms’ recall documentation shows the shredded iceberg product was distributed between June 29 and July 16 across multiple states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and others. A full list of affected products, lot codes, and use‑by dates is available through Taylor Farms’ recall information.
Federal officials urge anyone who consumed shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in the affected states and later developed symptoms, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, or loss of appetite to contact a healthcare provider. Cyclosporiasis can cause prolonged illness if untreated. Consumers who purchased recalled iceberg lettuce are advised to discard it immediately and sanitize any surfaces the product touched. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.
A full list of affected products, lot codes, and use‑by dates is available through the FDA’s official recall announcement
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