FDA identifies contaminated lettuce as source of US explosive diarrhoea outbreak
A sample of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms was found to carry the parasite Cyclospora, the same organism driving a sudden‑onset diarrhoea outbreak that has sickened thousands across the United States.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the positive sample was taken from a batch that is not included in the supplier’s current recall. Taylor Farms has voluntarily pulled all Central‑Mexico sourced iceberg lettuce from the market and confirmed that the implicated lot is no longer in circulation.
Officials say 94 people have been hospitalised because of the infection, although no deaths have been reported. Symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear and include watery diarrhoea lasting several days, sudden weight loss and loss of appetite.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned that shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia should not be eaten. The fast‑food chain has removed the lettuce from all its restaurants nationwide.
Emily Ruiz, spokesperson for Taylor Farms, said the company is “stopping receipt of the implicated lot, suspending distribution of Central‑Mexico iceberg lettuce, notifying customers and working closely with the FDA, CDC and state authorities” to curtail the spread.
More than 27 states have issued a recall of the lettuce, and Marketside‑branded iceberg lettuce sold at Walmart in 15 states has also been affected.
For more detailed coverage, read our full investigative report.
