Archive · 20 Jul 2026
FDA Revises Positive Lettuce Test in Taco Bell Cyclospora Probe
The FDA initially thought some lettuce from Taco Bell had a parasite called Cyclospora, which can make people sick.
But after checking again, they found out it was a mistake.
Even though the test was wrong, they are still investigating to make sure no bad lettuce is being sold.
Many people got sick from eating this lettuce, but no one has died.
The company that supplies the lettuce has taken it off the market, and Taco Bell has stopped using it.
People are advised to throw away any recalled lettuce and clean anything that touched it.
The FDA initially found Cyclospora in lettuce from Taco Bell but later determined it was a false positive.
The investigation is ongoing, with Taylor Farms de Mexico cooperating to remove potentially contaminated lettuce.
1,644 Cyclospora infections have been confirmed, leading to 94 hospitalizations across five states.
Taylor Farms de Mexico has recalled iceberg lettuce products sold at Walmart and supplied to Taco Bell.
The FDA advises consumers to discard recalled lettuce and clean any surfaces that came into contact with it.
- Who
- The FDA, CDC, state health departments, and Taylor Farms de Mexico are involved in the investigation.
- What
- An initial positive test for Cyclospora in lettuce supplied to Taco Bell was found to be a false positive.
- When
- The initial positive test was on July 18, 2026, and the revised findings were issued on July 19, 2026.
- Where
- The outbreak affected multiple states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
- Why
- The FDA conducted a review of the laboratory results due to the complexity of Cyclospora testing.
FDA's Decision
Public Health Concerns
Test Result Validity
FDA's Decision
The FDA concluded that the initial positive test for Cyclospora in lettuce was a false positive after a thorough review.
Public Health Concerns
Some may question the reliability of the FDA's testing methods and the potential risk to public health.
Ongoing Investigation
FDA's Decision
The FDA maintains that the investigation is active and continues to ensure contaminated products are removed from the market.
Public Health Concerns
Critics might argue that the FDA should have more stringent measures to prevent such outbreaks.
- Date of Initial Positive Test
- July 18, 2026
- Date of Revised Findings
- July 19, 2026
- Number of Confirmed Infections
- 1,644
- Number of Hospitalizations
- 94
- Affected States
- Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia
- Date Range of Illness Onset
- May 13 to July 13, 2026
- Supplier of Contaminated Lettuce
- Taylor Farms de Mexico
- Recalled Products
- Marketside-brand iceberg lettuce products sold at Walmart