Taylor Farms Recalls Iceberg Lettuce Across 27 States
Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled iceberg lettuce distributed in 27 states after federal investigators identified the product as a possible source of a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak.
The produce company announced Friday evening that it was removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the U.S. market. The action applies to shredded iceberg products distributed between June 29 and July 16. Affected states include Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas and West Virginia. California and New York were not listed in the recall notice.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states. Taco Bell, which is owned by Yum Brands, removed the potentially contaminated lettuce from its restaurants before Taylor Farms announced the broader recall.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause cyclosporiasis. According to the Food and Drug Administration, symptoms may include watery diarrhea, frequent bowel movements and flu-like illness.
Taylor Farms said FDA traceback information pointed to a specific independent farm representing less than 1% of the U.S. iceberg lettuce supply. The company nevertheless removed all iceberg lettuce from the central Mexico region indefinitely as a precaution.
Walmart also posted a notice about the recall and removed four bagged iceberg lettuce salad products from selected stores in several states. The retailer said there was no indication that products sold in its stores were connected to the investigation, and no illnesses had been confirmed in association with those items.
Consumers in affected states should check product labels and retailer recall notices before using bagged iceberg lettuce purchased during the distribution period. The recall remains voluntary, while federal agencies and companies continue tracing the supply chain and monitoring reported illnesses. Taylor Farms said its removal covers more lettuce than the farm under investigation.