The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that romaine lettuce from Taylor Farms is the source of a Cyclospora parasite outbreak, which has caused thousands of Americans to suffer severe diarrhea in recent months.
On Sunday, 19 Jul 2026 GMT+7, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that samples of romaine lettuce from Taylor Farms, a supplier to the Taco Bell restaurant chain, tested positive for the Cyclospora parasite.
The FDA confirmed that these samples were taken from products not included in the recall announced last Friday. Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled all romaine lettuce imported from Central Mexico from the US market and released a list of affected products.
"Taylor Farms has confirmed that the products testing positive are not part of their current recall," the FDA stated. "They are currently conducting urgent checks to determine if any of the affected batch remains in commercial channels or consumers' homes."
So far, US authorities have recorded over 5,000 severe diarrhea cases caused by Cyclospora infection since May, with at least 94 patients hospitalized.
The FDA revealed that the first reported infections occurred on 13 May, but symptoms of this foodborne illness can take up to two weeks to appear, including prolonged watery diarrhea, sudden weight loss, and loss of appetite.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that thousands have been infected with Cyclospora linked to romaine lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and sold at Taco Bell locations in at least five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The CDC advises the public to avoid eating this lettuce served at Taco Bell.
The fast-food chain confirmed it has removed the affected batch of Taylor Farms romaine lettuce from all its outlets.
.bbc