FDA Declares Taylor Farms Lettuce Sample a False Positive for Cyclospora

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Sunday that a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms, previously tested positive for cyclospora, was actually a false positive. FDA laboratory experts re-examined the sample and concluded that the initial finding did not represent true amplification of the parasite.

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Due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive.

This development means that, as of Sunday, the FDA has not identified any confirmed positive sample results for cyclospora in product testing. Taylor Farms had previously announced it was voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico after it was linked to one of the largest cyclosporiasis outbreaks in recent years. The company stated it was committed to working with public health authorities.

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Our thoughts remain with everyone who has fallen ill in this outbreak. We are committed to working with public health authorities as the ongoing outbreak investigation continues.

The outbreak, first reported in May, has affected more than 1,600 people across 34 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lettuce supplied to select Taco Bell restaurants was identified as a source of the multistate outbreak. Taco Bell confirmed it had removed the affected lettuce from its restaurants, and Walmart also removed certain bagged iceberg lettuce products from its stores as a precaution, though it stated there was no indication its products were affected.

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completed removal of affected Taylor Farms lettuce from our restaurants.

Cyclosporiasis is a food- and waterborne illness caused by the cyclospora parasite, leading to prolonged, watery diarrhea. Outbreaks typically occur in late spring and summer. While the CDC reported over 1,600 cases, state health departments have indicated higher numbers, with Michigan alone reporting over 5,000 confirmed cases. No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak.

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no indication that products sold in our stores are affected by the current Cyclospora investigations.