Federal health officials continue to focus on Taylor Farms lettuce as the source of a multistate outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite, despite an error in test results initially reported over the weekend. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that a test had mistakenly shown a positive result for cyclospora in Taylor Farms lettuce, but this was corrected after a false positive was identified.
State and federal authorities are investigating an increase in cyclospora cases, initially connecting the outbreak across five states to lettuce provided to Taco Bell. Taylor Farms recently recalled 25 shredded lettuce and salad mix products, distributed under eight different brand codes, used by various U.S. food chains and suppliers.
Donald Prater, the FDA’s acting food chief, stated that their investigation pinpointed shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms’ locations in Central Mexico. Officials have been tracing the supply chain and testing produce crossing the U.S. border.
The false positive result stemmed from a rapid test for cyclospora traces. Though this particular sample wasn’t part of Taylor Farms’ recall, the FDA felt it necessary to disclose the findings to the public. A subsequent test proved the error, which the FDA communicated to Taylor Farms on Sunday. Although Taylor Farms mentioned an apology from the FDA on social media, the agency denied issuing one.
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite often spread via produce irrigated or washed with contaminated water. Ingesting it results in intestinal illness, as characterized by frequent and severe diarrhea. In 2026, the FDA and CDC reported 1,645 cases in the U.S., with 141 hospitalizations, tracking five clusters of illnesses, including Taylor Farms’ connection.
FDA Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas noted the continued emergence of new cases tied to this outbreak, compelling action to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers.
Foot traffic at some dining chains has decreased compared to the year’s earlier averages, according to Placer.ai. Taco Bell witnessed an 18.9% drop after being mentioned in the FDA’s outbreak investigation. Chopt’s traffic declined by 14.3%, while Chipotle and Panera Bread saw nearly 7% declines. Cava experienced a smaller drop of 4.2%.
Food safety investigators often face challenges in linking recalled produce to outbreaks. Common tests don’t easily detect cyclospora, and technicians can’t grow the parasite in labs. Instead, conclusions often rely on the analysis of eating patterns, case timing, and location proximity.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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