FDA Says Taylor Farms Lettuce Sample Tested for Cyclospora Was a False Positive

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that a recent positive test result for the cyclospora parasite in a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms was a false positive. This announcement came during an update provided by the FDA on July 19, 2026. This clarification follows heightened scrutiny over a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection notorious for causing severe gastrointestinal distress.

The FDA confirmed that the complexity of detecting cyclospora had led laboratory experts to carefully re-evaluate the sample in question. In its statement, the agency concluded, “The finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive.” It also stated that it is in ongoing collaboration with Taylor Farms to ensure that any products implicated in the outbreak have been effectively removed from the market. As of the latest update, there are no confirmed positive samples for cyclospora to report.

Taylor Farms has been proactive in addressing these concerns, previously announcing on July 17 that it would voluntarily withdraw iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from distribution. The company took this step as part of an effort to mitigate risks linked to the outbreak, which has been associated with reported cases of cyclosporiasis across multiple states. “While the FDA traceback indicates a specific independent farm, which represents less than 1% of the U.S.’s iceberg lettuce supply, we have removed all iceberg lettuce from the region indefinitely,” the company stated.

The lettuce withdrawal has been significant. Affected lettuce had been supplied to Taco Bell restaurants, which confirmed on July 17 that it had removed the implicated products from its outlets. A statement from Taco Bell emphasised the importance of swift action, stating, “Based on ongoing conversations with public health officials, and out of an abundance of caution, Taco Bell worked swiftly to voluntarily remove the product.” They expressed a commitment to ensuring the safety of their customers.

Cyclosporiasis is characterised by symptoms including “watery diarrhoea” and frequent, sometimes explosive, bowel movements that can persist for a month or longer. Most patients recover without requiring treatment, although some can experience severe symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that it has received 1,645 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis nationwide thus far. Additionally, it is reviewing over 5,100 potential cases, indicating nearly 7,000 instances under investigation for this ongoing national outbreak.

Officials from the CDC have acknowledged that the actual number of affected individuals could be significantly higher than reported figures suggest. The outbreak has extended across 34 states, raising concerns about the safety of produce within the food supply chain.

In light of the outbreak, Taylor Farms has expressed its concern for those who have fallen ill and reaffirmed its commitment to public health. In a statement shared via social media platform X, the firm reiterated its dedication to collaborating with health authorities as investigations continue.

Taco Bell has also highlighted the importance of safeguarding public health, framing it as a collective responsibility that encompasses restaurants, suppliers, and health authorities alike. The fast-food chain has lauded its prompt actions aimed at prioritising consumer safety and has encouraged other food service operators to adopt similar precautionary measures.

As investigations into the outbreak continue, the FDA and CDC are focusing on lab testing and tracebacks to determine the precise origins of the contamination. Consumers are being urged to stay informed regarding current developments, particularly as public health officials work to ascertain the full impact of this outbreak on the food supply and public safety.

The situation underscores the critical nature of food safety monitoring and the need for transparency in communication from both producers and health authorities tasked with protecting consumer welfare.