Vegetable supplier Taylor Farms to pull some products amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

Vegetable Supplier Taylor Farms to Pull Products Amid Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Vegetable supplier Taylor Farms to pull - California-based vegetable producer Taylor Farms announced Friday that it will remove products potentially linked to a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting consumers across multiple states. The company's voluntary recall comes after receiving new information from federal health authorities about the contamination source.

“Based on information provided yesterday by the FDA [Food and Drug Administration], Taylor Farms de Mexico is voluntarily removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico,” the company said in its official statement. This precautionary measure affects a significant portion of the company's iceberg lettuce inventory, even though the suspected source represents less than 1% of the nation's total iceberg lettuce supply.

Outbreak Details and Consumer Impact

The scope of this food safety issue has prompted immediate action from major restaurant chains. Taco Bell announced Thursday that it was taking “immediate action” to remove lettuce from some of its stores following reports that the FDA was investigating Taylor Farms, one of the fast-food chain's primary suppliers, as a possible source of the outbreak.

A total of 1,644 people who ate at Taco Bell in five states have become sick from cyclospora between May 13 and July 13, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the public health center said 94 people affected by the outbreak have been hospitalized. The CDC is advising consumers against eating lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

“While the FDA traceback is indicating a specific independent farm that represents less than 1% of the U.S.'s iceberg lettuce supply as the potential source of the outbreak, we have removed all iceberg lettuce from the region indefinitely,” Taylor Farms stated.

Cyclosporiasis can cause weeks of diarrhea, fatigue and loss of appetite. It is rarely fatal, and no deaths have been reported during the outbreak. The CDC recommended people contact their healthcare provider if they develop the virus's symptoms and report information about what they ate prior to becoming sick to state or local officials.

Vegetable supplier Taylor Farms to pull - The company noted its salad kits, which do not contain iceberg lettuce, have not been associated with the outbreak. This clarification helps consumers understand which products remain safe to consume while the investigation continues.

“We are committed to doing everything in our power to address this issue, support the ongoing investigation, and help restore trust,” the company said in its statement. As the FDA continues its traceback investigation, consumers in affected areas should remain vigilant about potential symptoms and follow public health guidance regarding food consumption.