Taylor Farms has initiated a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sold in 27 states after potential contamination with the Cyclospora parasite, which has been linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. The affected lettuce, sourced from central Mexico, was distributed between June 29 and July 16 and has been associated with cases in states such as Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Texas. The recall came after authorities traced the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states including Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have reported that infection from Cyclospora can cause flu-like symptoms as well as severe diarrhea with frequent bowel movements. While the FDA traceback points to a single farm responsible for less than 1% of U.S. iceberg lettuce supply as the outbreak source, Taylor Farms has chosen to remove all iceberg lettuce from the region indefinitely to ensure consumer safety.

Prior to Taylor Farms’ recall announcement on July 17, Taco Bell had already removed the implicated lettuce from its menu as a preventive step. Walmart also responded by pulling four bagged iceberg lettuce products from select stores in states like Alabama, Indiana, and West Virginia, although the retailer stressed there is no confirmation that the products sold in its locations were contaminated or linked to any illnesses at this time.

Taylor Farms’ decision reflects a commitment to public health, given the wide distribution and potential risk to consumers. Both regulators and suppliers are actively working to monitor the situation and prevent further cases. Consumers in the affected states are advised to avoid consuming iceberg lettuce products from the implicated batches while remaining alert for symptoms of cyclosporiasis.