Focus on Taylor Farms’ Lettuce in Cyclospora Outbreak

Federal health officials are keeping a close watch on Taylor Farms due to a multistate outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite, though there were some inaccuracies in test results released recently. On Monday, FDA officials clarified a recent incorrect positive test for cyclospora on lettuce from Taylor Farms, initially posted on the FDA’s website.

The cyclospora outbreak has been linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell in five states. Taylor Farms has recalled 25 products, including shredded lettuce and salad mixes, under eight brands. These products are distributed to various U.S. food chains and suppliers.

Investigation Continues

The FDA’s acting food chief, Donald Prater, mentioned that the investigation points toward shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ central Mexico sites. Officers are inspecting the lettuce supply chain and testing produce entering the U.S.

The false positive resulted from a rapid screening test. This test detected traces of cyclospora in a sample that wasn’t part of the recall. Upon retesting, officials found the result was erroneous and informed Taylor Farms on Sunday. Despite Taylor Farms claiming an apology from the FDA on social media, there was no official apology from the agency.

Understanding Cyclospora

Cyclospora is a parasite spread through contaminated food, often produce washed with tainted water. Symptoms include intestinal illness marked by frequent and sometimes severe bowel movements, as stated by the CDC. The FDA and CDC report that this parasite has affected at least 1,645 people in the U.S. in 2026, hospitalizing 141. Five clusters of illness are under investigation, including the Taylor Farms incident.

FDA’s acting commissioner, Kyle Diamantas, noted new cases popping up as recently as last week, urging action to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers.

Impact on Restaurants

Restaurants have seen reduced foot traffic as a result of the cyclospora alert. Data from Placer.ai shows a significant decrease in customer visits. Taco Bell experienced the largest decline at 18.9%, followed by Chopt with a 14.3% drop. Chipotle and Panera Bread faced almost a 7% reduction in traffic, while Cava’s drop was 4.2%.

Linking produce to foodborne illness outbreaks proves challenging. Testing often fails to detect cyclospora due to the inability to grow the parasite in labs. Investigations rely on patterns in what individuals consumed and case timing.

AP Business Writer Anne D’Innocenzio contributed from New York.

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