Cyclospora outbreak linked to Mexican lettuce persists as recalls and investigations continue
More than 22,000 Americans have been sickened and two deaths have been reported in Michigan as a Cyclospora outbreak spreads across 15 states. Microbiologists say the parasite can enter crops through irrigation with treated wastewater, and the current episode is tied to shredded iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico and distributed by Taylor Farms. The company has recalled shredded lettuce and salad mixes with best‑if‑used‑by dates from July 18 through August 3, and consumers are urged to discard any matching packages still in their homes.
Distribution data show that Walmart’s Marketside brand received about 46% of the recalled cases, Taylor Farms’ own brand about 29%, and Yum (the parent of Taco Bell) roughly 2.5%. Federal investigators and the FDA say the probe remains ongoing, with additional focus on other leafy greens such as parsley and cilantro.
How this was covered
- Left-leaning coverage is the most divided on this story
Why it matters
Consumers need to check their refrigerators for the recalled lettuce and follow safe‑handling practices to avoid infection.
How this story developed
- Jul 24 CDC adds nine states to Cyclospora lettuce outbreak linked to Taco Bell
- Aug 5 CDC added Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina to the outbreak list, raising the count to 15 states.
- Aug 6 California reported 201 cyclosporiasis cases, 39 of which were acquired domestically, raising concerns about the outbreak’s reach.
- Aug 11 An FDA enforcement report revealed that about 2.5% of the recalled lettuce was supplied to the Taco Bell chain.
- Aug 15 FDA investigators traveled to the Mexican production facilities after more than a month’s delay.
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