FDA Clarifies False Positive in Cyclospora Outbreak, Maintains Link to Taylor Farms Lettuce

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that a laboratory test previously indicating cyclospora contamination in Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce was a false positive. Despite this reversal, the agency emphasized that epidemiological data and traceback investigations continue to converge on shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms facilities in central Mexico as the source of the multistate outbreak. The FDA clarified that the error does not alter its ongoing investigation or its recommendation for consumers to avoid the recalled products.

The cyclospora outbreak has sickened over 1,600 people across multiple states, including Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, with hundreds hospitalized. In response, Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico. Taco Bell, which served the product in several states, removed the lettuce from its restaurants and adjusted its supply chain. Meanwhile, consumers have filed lawsuits alleging negligence against both Taylor Farms and Taco Bell, citing severe gastrointestinal symptoms linked to their meals.