Investigation Into Taylor Farms Lettuce Continues Amid Outbreak

WHO:

CNN - Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier in the US.

CNN - Frank Yiannas, former deputy commissioner of food policy and response at the FDA.

CNN - Laina Stebbins, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

NBC News - US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

WHAT:

CNN - The FDA is investigating a large outbreak of diarrhea caused by the parasite cyclospora, with evidence pointing to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the likely source.

CNN - Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states.

CNN - More than 8,000 cyclosporiasis cases have been reported in the outbreak.

CNN - Michigan accounts for the majority of cases, with over 6,100 reported.

CNN - Interviews with 2,025 individuals affected by cyclosporiasis in Michigan indicated that lettuce frequently appeared in food questionnaires.

WHERE:

CNN - The outbreak includes Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

CNN - Taylor Farms locations in Central Mexico are implicated in the investigation.

WHEN:

CNN - The FDA reported a positive test for cyclospora on a Taylor Farms lettuce sample, which was later clarified as a false positive.

CNN - The FDA has investigated five subclusters of cyclospora since the season started in May.

WHY:

CNN - The FDA's ongoing investigation is based on epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms.

CNN - The difficulty in finding cyclospora on produce necessitates public health action based on epidemiological evidence.

HOW:

CNN - The FDA's traceback investigation and outbreak data are converging on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms.

CNN - Health officials recommend purchasing whole heads of lettuce instead of pre-washed, bagged lettuce or pre-mixed salad kits.

(UPDATED July 20, 2026 19:29 UTC)

The FDA is currently investigating a significant outbreak of diarrhea linked to the parasite cyclospora, with shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms identified as the likely source. More than 8,000 cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported across several states, with Michigan accounting for the majority at over 6,100 cases, prompting a recall of the affected lettuce shipped to 27 states. Health officials are advising consumers to opt for whole heads of lettuce rather than pre-washed, bagged varieties or salad kits as the investigation continues.