Taylor Farms said Friday it is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market as federal and state officials investigate a Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce.
The company said FDA traceback information points to a specific independent farm that supplies less than 1 percent of U.S. iceberg lettuce. Nevertheless, Taylor Farms has indefinitely removed lettuce from the broader region. Reuters reported that the company instructed customers, including Taco Bell parent Yum Brands and distributor Sysco, to withdraw shredded lettuce produced in five-pound bags at a facility in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Taco Bell said the affected ingredient would be removed from its nationwide supply chain and replaced within 24 hours in selected states. Health agencies have linked illnesses to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, although not every reported case is connected to the chain. Michigan has reported more than 5,000 cases and 102 hospitalizations.
Cyclospora is a parasite that infects the small intestine. Symptoms can appear one to two weeks after exposure and may include watery diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, vomiting, body aches, headaches, low-grade fever, and other flu-like symptoms. Symptoms can subside and later return.
The FDA said its investigation into the contamination’s source and scope remains active, and additional brands, restaurants, retailers, or distributors could be identified. No other companies or products had been identified for avoidance as of Friday, according to the statements. The CDC is also examining illnesses in other states that may be unrelated.
The response comes amid questions about federal food-safety capacity. More than 240 consumer-safety specialists reportedly left following funding reductions, while the CDC reduced FoodNet operations. Separately, the FDA delayed new food-traceability record requirements from January 2026 to July 2028, potentially limiting investigators’ ability to trace shipments quickly.