Taylor Farms faces a cyclospora-linked lettuce outbreak across five states; the firm supplies produce to retailers and foodservice, reshaping sourcing to curb tainted produce.
A multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to fresh produce has prompted Taco Bell to voluntarily remove certain ingredients in select restaurants as health officials investigate the source. More than 1,600 cases have been reported across 5 states, with no deaths; several chains including Sweetgreen and Yum Brands are affected by stock moves and supplier investigations.
The cyclospora outbreak has prompted U.S. retailers to reduce reliance on iceberg-containing lettuce from Mexico, with officials linking a Taylor Farms supply to the parasite. Stores are promoting greenhouse-grown greens as a safer alternative while regulators investigate the broader causes and suppliers.
Federal health officials have confirmed that shredded iceberg lettuce from a single Mexican supplier served to Taco Bell in five U.S. states is the source of a cyclospora outbreak. Taco Bell has stopped using that supplier, while authorities warn consumers to avoid the affected lettuce and to monitor further guidance.
Public health officials have linked a cyclosporiasis outbreak to iceberg lettuce from a Taylor Farms supplier. Taco Bell has removed potentially contaminated lettuce from select states; Taco Bell and Taylor Farms deny branded products are at fault. The CDC reports nearly 7,000 cases across 34 states, with Michigan and New York hardest hit.