TAYLOR FARMS RECALLS ICEBERG LETTUCE IN 27 STATES OVER CYCLOSPORA RISK

Taylor Farms recalled potentially contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce distributed across 27 states on Friday, including produce supplied as recently as Thursday. The recall was issued as cases of cyclosporiasis continued to rise across the United States. The company stated the lettuce came from its facility in Guanajuato, Mexico, and held potential to be contaminated with Cyclospora, a parasite that embeds in produce. Taylor Farms did not specify the brand names under which the lettuce was sold or the retail locations and restaurants where it was distributed, a decision expected to complicate the recall effort.

At least 34 states have reported cyclosporiasis cases, with New York and Colorado recording higher-than-usual numbers, though neither state appeared on the recall list. Large retailers including Costco, Target and Walmart carry Taylor Farms products, and the company also owns Earthbound Farm. The US Food and Drug Administration warned against eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. Officials stated that infections may have occurred in recent days, meaning further cases could emerge for at least two additional weeks.

The expanding investigation may identify other products grown or processed at the same facility as potentially contaminated, according to the recall notice. Producers in the same area pose additional risk if they shared contaminated water supplies. Taco Bell became the first major restaurant chain to cease serving produce in several states in response to the outbreak. The FDA stated its investigation remained ongoing.