Federal investigators identified a potential source of a deadly summer food contamination outbreak that sickened nearly 13,000 Americans across 21 states, killed two people in Michigan, and hospitalized 570 others after they consumed tainted lettuce from a Mexican processing facility.
Positive Tests at Taylor Farms Facility
The Food and Drug Administration collected samples during inspections of Taylor Farms facilities in central Mexico and found two samples testing positive for Cyclospora, the parasite responsible for cyclosporiasis infections. One positive sample came from a wastewater tank at a processing facility, while the second originated from a drainage ditch at an iceberg lettuce grower’s operation. The agency stated these findings demonstrate the parasite existed in the environment where the contaminated lettuce was grown and processed, though investigators could not conclusively determine how the contamination occurred.
The outbreak affected consumers who ate shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in mid-July. Taylor Farms supplied the lettuce to the restaurant chain, sourcing it from central Mexico. Following the outbreak discovery, Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce from the region, affecting 27 states with products distributed between June 29 and July 16.
Company Response and Facility Closure
Taylor Fresh Foods announced its central Mexico facility remains closed while the company implements enhanced safety protocols with its research team. The independent grower where investigators found one positive sample has been removed from the supplier program. Company representatives emphasized that millions of families depend on Taylor Farms produce safety and acknowledged that trust must be earned through continuous improvement and action. Taco Bell has ceased using lettuce from Taylor Farms facilities in Mexico at all restaurant locations nationwide.
Outbreak Impact and Investigation Status
Health officials reported at least 12,883 confirmed cyclosporiasis infections, though thousands more cases were reported but could not be definitively linked to the recalled lettuce. The FDA closed its investigation after determining all recalled products have been removed from the market. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked alongside the FDA to track the outbreak’s spread across state lines. The recalled products carried best-if-used-by dates extending to August 3, giving health officials confidence that contaminated lettuce no longer poses a public health threat to American consumers.
