WASHINGTON—A voluntary recall of shredded iceberg lettuce distributed to 27 U.S. states has expanded the response to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak, as federal health officials and the supplier urged consumers and businesses to discard affected products while investigators continue tracing the source of the contamination.
Taylor Fresh Foods announced the recall after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said iceberg lettuce from central Mexico may be contaminated with Cyclospora, a parasite that causes intestinal illness. The recalled products were distributed between June 29 and July 16 to customers in 27 states through retailers and food-service distributors.
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a separate outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia. According to the FDA, 1,644 laboratory-confirmed illnesses and 94 hospitalizations had been reported as of the agency's latest update, with no deaths confirmed. Officials said the illnesses associated with Taco Bell represent a subset of Cyclospora infections reported nationwide.
The FDA said traceback investigations identified a common supplier of iceberg lettuce from Mexico used at affected Taco Bell locations. The agency has increased screening of implicated products at the U.S.-Mexico border and is collecting additional samples as investigators determine whether contaminated lettuce reached other restaurants, retailers or distributors.
Taylor Fresh Foods said it has suspended distribution of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, stopped receiving product from the implicated lot and notified customers while working with the FDA, CDC and state health authorities. The company said the action was taken out of caution as products are removed from the market.
The FDA advises consumers not to eat recalled lettuce and to discard affected products. Cyclospora infection commonly causes prolonged diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. Health officials said symptoms can persist or recur without treatment and may be more severe in people with weakened immune systems.
Federal investigators cautioned that the inquiry remains active and that additional brands, retailers or distribution channels could be identified as more evidence becomes available. The FDA said it will update its public advisories as the investigation progresses.
