In 2026, CDC, FDA, and public health officials in several states investigated an outbreak of Cyclospora infections.

One cluster of cases was identified as being associated with iceberg lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico and served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

Additional interview data resulted in an expanded case definition to include people who reported consuming Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce regardless of where consumption occurred. A total of 12,883 illnesses were reported from 21 states. Of note, the total number of cases reported included sick people who traveled to one of the 20 states but resided in different states. Illnesses linked to this outbreak began on June 14 and onset dates have continued through August 17, 2026. There were at least 570 hospitalizations. Two deaths were reported from Michigan.

On July 17, 2026, Taylor Farms de Mexico recalled all iceberg lettuces sourced from central Mexico. Taylor Fresh Foods' recall notice included Marketside-brand product available at Walmart.

FDA’s traceback investigation identified several farms and a processing facility in Mexico that provided recalled lettuce distributed by Taylor Fresh Foods. As part of this investigation, the FDA conducted onsite inspections and sample collection at multiple iceberg lettuce growers and the processing facility in Mexico, in coordination with Mexican officials.

FDA sampled water, soil, sediment, and iceberg lettuce. Of the samples collected during the onsite inspections in Mexico, two samples tested positive for Cyclospora. One positive sample was from a tank that held outgoing wastewater from the Taylor Farms de Mexico processing facility. The second positive sample was collected from a drainage ditch of an iceberg lettuce grower identified in the FDA’s traceback investigation.

While there is currently not enough evidence to conclusively determine how contamination occurred in this outbreak, the positive samples show that Cyclospora was present in the environment where lettuce was grown and processed.

On September 11, 2026, the CDC declared the outbreak over.