Taylor Farms Recalls Iceberg Lettuce Amid Cyclospora Investigation
Consumers, restaurants and food-service businesses are being urged to check certain iceberg lettuce and shredded-lettuce products linked to an ongoing federal investigation.
Taylor Farms has recalled iceberg lettuce products distributed across multiple states while federal health officials investigate an outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.
Taylor Farms de Mexico announced that it was voluntarily removing iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from the United States market. The company advised consumers and businesses not to use affected products while the investigation continues.
Which products are affected?
The recall includes certain iceberg lettuce products and lettuce-and-romaine mixtures supplied primarily to restaurants, distributors and food-service businesses. Retail products identified in the investigation reportedly include Marketside-brand iceberg salad and shredded lettuce sold at certain Walmart stores.
- Marketside Iceberg Salad in selected package sizes
- Marketside Shredded Lettuce in selected package sizes
- Products carrying affected “Best if Used By” dates
- Selected food-service shredded-lettuce and salad-mix products
Consumers should compare the product name, package size, lot information and date printed on the bag with the official recall notice before eating recently purchased lettuce.
Where was the lettuce distributed?
Recalled products were reported in numerous states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Federal officials have cautioned that distribution may extend beyond the locations currently identified as the supply chain is reviewed.
Restaurants examined during the investigation
Investigators examined illnesses reported by people who had eaten food containing shredded iceberg lettuce at certain restaurant locations. Federal and state agencies used patient interviews, restaurant records and supply-chain information to trace the suspected ingredient.
The investigation remained active even after officials reexamined a laboratory sample that had initially been reported as positive. Authorities continued reviewing epidemiological and traceback evidence to identify the outbreak source.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fresh produce. It causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. Symptoms may begin several days or even weeks after exposure and can continue for an extended period without treatment.
- Frequent or watery diarrhea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Stomach pain, cramping or bloating
- Nausea and fatigue
- Increased gas
- Headache, fever or body aches in some cases
People with weakened immune systems may experience more serious or prolonged symptoms. Anyone who becomes ill after eating a potentially recalled product should contact a healthcare professional.
What consumers should do
- Do not eat any recalled lettuce, even if it looks or smells normal.
- Throw the product away or return it to the store for a refund.
- Wash and sanitize refrigerators, cutting boards, containers and countertops that touched the lettuce.
- Ask a restaurant or food-service provider about the source of its iceberg lettuce when uncertain.
- Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
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