Cyclospora Lettuce Update: FDA Issues Strongest Warning, Adds 3 More States

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class 1 recall for lettuce products linked to a widespread cyclospora outbreak, classifying them as the highest possible risk level, according to the latest update. This recall involves lettuce products produced by California-based company Taylor Farms, which shipped affected products to 27 states between July 16 and August 3, 2026.

The recall has now expanded to include three additional states—Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas—raising the total number of affected states to 20. As of August 13, 2026, there were 11,458 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis across these states, with 495 people requiring hospitalization. Michigan, the state hardest hit, reported the first two deaths tied to the outbreak earlier in August.

The FDA, working with Mexican officials, continues to inspect and test produce at the farms and processing facility in Mexico responsible for the tainted lettuce. The company has stated that all recalled lettuce is off the market, and they have temporarily suspended production in Mexico. Taco Bell has also removed the implicated lettuce from its restaurants, stating it took swift action to ensure guest safety.

The CDC has reported 17,180 laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. since May 1, 2026, including 922 hospitalizations and two deaths. This year has seen the highest number of reported cases, with symptoms often appearing between two days and two weeks, or even longer, after exposure. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora, which infects food contaminated with human feces.

While the CDC's official count represents laboratory-confirmed cases, the true number of illnesses is likely higher, as many infections go unreported. Treatment typically involves the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Health authorities are investigating additional clusters of cyclosporiasis to determine if they are linked to the same contaminated source.