Taylor Farms Recalls Lettuce After Cyclospora Outbreak
Taylor Farms has initiated a voluntary recall of specific produce items linked to a multi-state outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that has affected more than 1,600 people. The California-based agricultural giant took action following notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding iceberg lettuce supplied to certain Taco Bell restaurant locations, according to federal officials.
Regional Warning for Taco Bell Patrons
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised consumers to avoid eating lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. The agency clarified that the current outbreak is linked to specific supply lines and that iceberg lettuce sold in grocery stores or served at other restaurant chains is not currently part of this specific advisory.
Cyclosporiasis is a seasonal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which typically peaks during summer months. While investigations into the Taco Bell-linked outbreak continue, the CDC noted that it is also tracking separate, unrelated clusters of the illness in other states.
Mexico Operations Under FDA Scrutiny
The current FDA investigation into the source of the contamination is reportedly focused on an agricultural field in Mexico and a nearby processing facility. Taylor Farms operates two processing plants in Mexico, located in Baja California and Guanajuato. In response to the findings, the company stated it is committed to proactive safety measures to maintain consumer trust.
Founded in 1995 by Bruce Taylor, the company processes millions of servings of fresh vegetables weekly. It maintains 30 processing facilities across more than a dozen states, as well as in Mexico and Canada.
A History of Supply Chain Recalls
The outbreak highlights the logistical challenges of the modern produce supply chain, which often involves multiple intermediaries, including growers, packers, and distributors, operating under varying regulatory standards. Taylor Farms has previously navigated high-profile food safety incidents.
In 2024, the company recalled yellow onions linked to an E. coli outbreak associated with McDonald’s, which resulted in 104 reported illnesses and one death. In 2013, the company was also investigated in connection with a multi-state outbreak involving leafy greens served at several national restaurant chains, including Olive Garden and Red Lobster.
Industry Oversight and Market Fallout
Bruce Taylor has been a prominent figure in agricultural policy, serving as the inaugural chair of the International Fresh Produce Association. He played a significant role in the development of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA), an industry-led coalition established following a 2006 E. coli outbreak. Despite these industry-wide efforts, the recurring nature of these outbreaks underscores the persistent difficulty in eliminating contamination risks within fresh produce distribution.
Following the reports, Yum Brands, the parent company of Taco Bell, announced it would remove potentially affected lettuce from its supply chain in the impacted states. Shares of Yum Brands saw a decline of nearly a significant percentage during the week the news surfaced. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation as the number of reported cases for 2026 remains on track to exceed totals from previous years.
Related reading