Update (July 17, 2026): While reports indicate the supplier, Taylor Farms, is preparing to initiate a voluntary recall of ingredients linked to this outbreak, federal regulators have not yet issued a formal, official recall. Consumers are reminded that the current FDA advisory applies only to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Retail grocery products remain unaffected.
Shredded iceberg tied to restaurant supply chain under review; retail products remain available in the Carolinas
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
Federal food‑safety investigators continue to examine whether lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms is connected to a nationwide outbreak of Cyclospora infections, even as the company’s branded salad kits and bagged lettuce remain widely available in grocery stores across the Carolinas.
No recall has been issued, and retailers have not removed Taylor Farms products from shelves.
Taylor Farms, one of the country’s largest fresh‑produce processors, supplies both retail grocery chains and national restaurant brands.
The ongoing investigation centers on shredded iceberg lettuce used by Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Taylor Farms’ food‑service division, which produces bulk shredded lettuce for national restaurant chains, operates independently from the company’s retail arm that manufactures the branded salad kits and bagged lettuce sold in grocery stores throughout the Carolinas.
The federal investigation began after a surge in Cyclospora cases was reported in multiple states, with Michigan experiencing the largest increase.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes prolonged gastrointestinal illness, including watery diarrhea, fatigue, cramping, bloating, and nausea. Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure. Health officials note that routine stool tests do not detect Cyclospora unless specifically ordered.
Taco Bell voluntarily removed the implicated shredded iceberg lettuce from its supply chain nationwide as a precaution.
Taylor Farms has stated that it has no active recalls and continues to cooperate with federal investigators. The Food and Drug Administration has not named a confirmed source of the outbreak, and the investigation remains open.
In the Carolinas, Taylor Farms products continue to appear in produce sections as pre‑washed salad kits, chopped romaine, iceberg blends, and multi‑ingredient mixes.
Retailers have not been instructed to halt sales, and no advisory has been issued for consumers to avoid the brand. Food‑safety officials emphasize that the investigation involves a specific food‑service product, not the retail items sold in stores.
Consumers who experience gastrointestinal symptoms consistent with Cyclospora infection are encouraged to seek medical care and request Cyclospora testing specifically. Washing produce can reduce general contamination risks, but it does not reliably remove Cyclospora. Cooking produce to 158° degrees Fahrenheit eliminates the parasite.
Coastal Carolina News will continue monitoring federal updates and report any changes affecting local grocery stores or food‑service suppliers.
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