Cyclospora Outbreak 2026: Lettuce Recall and What to Know

A multistate outbreak of **Cyclospora cayetanensis** (cyclospora) infections was identified in the United States starting June 2026. The outbreak has been linked to **iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico**, a major lettuce distributor. As of the most recent CDC/FDA update, the investigation recorded **6,358 confirmed illnesses across 15 states**, with more than **278 hospitalizations** and **2 deaths** reported. The outbreak also extends to consumers who were exposed through **Taco Bell** restaurants that used the recalled lettuce. Sources: CDC, FDA.

**Cyclospora cayetanensis** is a microscopic, single-celled parasite that infects the small intestine. Symptoms typically appear **1 to 14 days after eating contaminated food** and include: watery (sometimes explosive) diarrhoea, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, bloating, fatigue, and low-grade fever. Without treatment, the illness can last weeks to over a month and may alternate between periods of feeling better and worse. In otherwise healthy adults the illness is uncomfortable but not usually dangerous; in immunocompromised individuals or the elderly it can be more serious. Sources: CDC, FDA.

The outbreak has been linked to **iceberg lettuce sourced from Taylor Farms de Mexico**, based on epidemiological and traceback investigations by the FDA and CDC. On **July 17, 2026**, Taylor Farms de Mexico initiated a voluntary recall of all its iceberg lettuce. The outbreak was also connected to **Taco Bell** restaurants in affected areas that used the recalled lettuce in menu items. Sources: FDA, CDC, FoodPoisoningBulletin.com.

**Do not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.** If you have any such lettuce, throw it away or return it to the store. The recall was initiated on July 17, 2026. If you are uncertain whether your lettuce is from Taylor Farms de Mexico, check the packaging for the brand name and origin. The FDA's recall list contains specific lot numbers and use-by dates. When in doubt, discard it. Sources: FDA, CDC.

The standard antibiotic treatment for cyclospora infection is **trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)**, sold under brand names including Bactrim, Septra and Co-trimoxazole. Unlike many other food-borne parasites, cyclospora does not clear up on its own quickly: without antibiotics, illness can last weeks. People who believe they have cyclospora should contact a doctor; a stool test is needed to confirm diagnosis. There is no evidence that other common antibiotics work against cyclospora. Sources: CDC, FDA.

The official CDC/FDA investigation covers **15 states** as of the most recent update, focused on cases confirmed to be linked to the Taylor Farms de Mexico lettuce traceback. Washington State has published its own state outbreak report. The outbreak has been most reported in states with high Taco Bell and supermarket distribution of the recalled product. Check the FDA's official recall page and the CDC outbreak investigation page for the current state-by-state breakdown, as case counts continue to be updated. Sources: CDC, FDA, Washington State DOH.

The official CDC and FDA **traceback investigation** identified **6,358 confirmed illnesses** in **15 states**, with **more than 278 hospitalizations** and **2 deaths** (both in Michigan) as of the most recent official update. Illness onset dates ran from June 22 through July 31, 2026. Some broader estimates, which include all cyclospora cases across the US and may go beyond the linked investigation, produce higher totals; the CDC investigation figure of 6,358 is the officially confirmed, traceback-linked count. Sources: CDC, FDA.

The recalled product was pulled on **July 17, 2026**, and illness onset dates linked to this outbreak trace through the end of July. Because cyclospora has a long incubation period (up to 14 days), cases may still be reported in August from exposures in late July. Anyone who ate recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce or Taco Bell items around the recalled dates and develops symptoms should seek medical advice. The FDA and CDC continue to monitor the situation. Sources: CDC, FDA.

**Cyclospora cayetanensis** is a microscopic one-celled parasite first described in the late 1970s and formally named in 1993. It is transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated with infected faecal matter containing mature Cyclospora oocysts. Outbreaks in the US have repeatedly been linked to **fresh produce imported from Mexico and Central America**, particularly raspberries (in 1990s outbreaks) and in recent years to basil, cilantro, and lettuce. The parasite does not spread directly from person to person. Sources: CDC, FDA.