FDA retracts cyclospora finding in Taylor Farms lettuce as false positive

The FDA has retracted its finding that a Taylor Farms lettuce sample tested positive for cyclospora, calling the result a false positive after re-checking the sample. Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier, had already issued a voluntary recall. The retraction comes amid an ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants in five states that has resulted in around 100 hospitalizations.

FDA false positive retraction

• ▪On July 18, 2026, the FDA had initially stated that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms tested positive for the cyclospora parasite
• ▪Taylor Farms stated that the Food and Drug Administration apologized for the mistake
• ▪The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on July 19, 2026, that a previous finding of cyclospora in a Taylor Farms lettuce sample was a false positive
• ▪As of July 19, 2026, the FDA confirmed there were no positive sample results for cyclospora on Taylor Farms products
• ▪The FDA's retraction came after laboratory experts re-checked the lettuce sample results

Taylor Farms voluntary recall

• ▪Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce grown and processed in central Mexico out of an abundance of caution
• ▪Walmart removed four bagged iceberg lettuce salad products manufactured by Taylor Farms, which are sold under its Marketside store brand
• ▪Walmart stated there have been no confirmed illnesses associated with the specific salad products it removed

Cyclospora outbreak investigation

• ▪An ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak has sickened thousands of people in the U.S., resulting in around 100 hospitalizations and no deaths, according to the CDC
• ▪Taylor Farms is a major supplier of fresh produce to some of the largest retailers and restaurant brands in the U.S.

Taco Bell restaurant cases

• ▪Government agencies have linked shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants to reports of foodborne illness in five states
• ▪The affected Taco Bell restaurants are located in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia