A food safety investigation in the United States involving Cyclospora contamination has continued to draw public attention. California-based fresh food supplier Taylor Farms has been reported by media outlets as potentially linked to the outbreak. Some of the company’s vegetable and salad products were distributed through major retailers, including Target, Whole Foods Market, Walmart, and Amazon Fresh.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently investigating the source of the outbreak. Officials have confirmed that the illnesses are linked to chopped lettuce supplied from Mexico, but no specific supplier has been officially identified as responsible. Media reports indicate that Taylor Farms is among the suppliers being examined as part of the investigation.
Multi-state cyclospora outbreak linked to chopped lettuce under investigation
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the Cyclospora outbreak has affected multiple states, with illnesses reported among people who consumed related food products.
As of July 16, FDA data showed:
- Five states have reported cases linked to Taco Bell;
- A total of 1,644 Cyclospora illness cases have been reported;
- 94 people have been hospitalized;
- No deaths have been reported.
The affected states include:
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Ohio
- West Virginia
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The FDA said its investigation found that the illnesses were associated with chopped iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations, with the lettuce originating from a supply chain in Mexico.
Taco Bell subsequently stopped using the affected lettuce products in impacted regions and has been cooperating with regulatory authorities during the investigation.
Earlier reports indicated that chopped iceberg lettuce used at some Taco Bell restaurants had been included in the investigation. The companies involved have suspended the use of affected product batches and are assisting regulators with tracing efforts.
The FDA said investigators are continuing to track the lettuce supply chain — including cultivation, processing, transportation, and distribution — in an effort to identify the source of the contamination.
Taylor Farms emerges as a focus of investigation
According to KQED, investigators tracing the food supply chain have identified Taylor Farms as one of the potential suppliers being examined in connection with the outbreak.
Headquartered in Salinas, California, Taylor Farms is one of the largest fresh food suppliers in the United States, specializing in packaged salads, cut vegetables, and ready-to-eat food products.
The company’s products are widely distributed across the U.S. retail and foodservice markets, including supermarkets, restaurants, and food delivery channels.
However, as of now, the FDA has not announced that all Taylor Farms products are contaminated, nor has it issued a broad recall of the company’s entire product line.
Major retailers that carry Taylor Farms products, including Target, Whole Foods Market, Walmart, and Amazon Fresh, have also not issued any blanket recall notices covering all Taylor Farms products.
What is cyclosporiasis?
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
People infected with Cyclospora may experience symptoms including:
- Persistent watery diarrhea;
- Abdominal pain and cramping;
- Bloating and excessive gas;
- Nausea;
- Loss of appetite;
- Fatigue;
- Weight loss.
In some cases, symptoms may come and go or recur over time. Without treatment, the illness can last for several weeks or even longer.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers who experience persistent diarrhea or related symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
Regulators continue to trace source of contamination
The FDA, the CDC, and local health authorities are continuing to work together to investigate the outbreak.
The investigation is focusing on several key areas, including:
- Epidemiological analysis of reported cases;
- Tracing the food supply chain;
- Testing affected products;
- Identifying where contamination may have occurred.
Regulators are reminding consumers to take precautions when handling lettuce and other fresh produce, including:
- Thoroughly washing produce before consumption;
- Preventing cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods;
- Maintaining proper hygiene in kitchens and on utensils.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said they will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
