Health officials identify source of US explosive diarrhoea outbreak
A sample of iceberg lettuce from the food supplier Taylor Farms tested positive for the parasite Cyclospora, the culprit behind the explosive diarrhoea outbreak that has sickened thousands across the United States, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) said on Tuesday.
The lettuce was part of a batch supplied to Taco Bell, but officials confirmed it was not included in the current recall that Taylor Farms announced last Friday to remove all Central‑Mexican iceberg lettuce from the US market.
The recall differs from a voluntary product removal in that it requires a company to notify customers and pull affected goods from commerce, making it a broader and costlier corrective action. In this case, Taylor Farms has opted for an immediate pull rather than a formal recall.
The FDA collected the sample as part of targeted surveillance of imported produce during its investigation. “Taylor Farms has confirmed that this positive product is not part of their current recall,” the agency added. “They are currently working to identify whether any part of this implicated lot is available in commerce or in consumers’ homes.”
First cases were reported on 13 May, and the CDC has warned that symptoms—watery diarrhoea lasting several days, sudden weight loss, and loss of appetite—can take up to two weeks to appear.
At least 94 people have been hospitalised with cyclosporiasis and were found infected with Cyclospora. No deaths have been reported so far.
The outbreak has affected at least five states, with the CDC advising consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.
According to a statement from the chain, the affected lettuce has been removed from all Taco Bell restaurants. Taylor Farms says it has stopped receiving product from the implicated lot, suspended distribution of the iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico, notified its customers and is continuing to work with the FDA, CDC and state authorities.
Taylor Farms issues statement on the outbreak (external). The lettuce was recalled in 27 states and includes Marketside‑branded iceberg lettuce sold at Walmart in 15 states, according to FDA data.
What to do for consumers
- Check the FDA’s list of recalled products for your state.
- Avoid eating shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell in the affected states.
- Seek medical attention if you experience prolonged diarrhoea, weight loss or loss of appetite after consuming lettuce.
The outbreak highlights the need for stringent import monitoring and prompt recall actions to mitigate public health risks. Consumers are urged to stay informed and heed the latest advisories from the FDA and CDC.
