Taylor Farms, a major produce supplier, said it is pulling all iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico from stores and restaurants.
Investigators identified a single farm as the source of the contamination.
The recall is described as "indefinite," though the company said the contaminated lettuce came from a single farm.
Taylor Farms said in a statement: "As a family-owned and operated company, we are deeply concerned for those who became ill, their families, and the many Americans whose trust in the safety of their fresh produce has been shaken."
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a parasite that can cause prolonged diarrheal illness. According to the FDA, outbreaks have historically been linked to imported raspberries, basil, and lettuce. The infection is typically treated with a specific antibiotic.
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At the Mexican farm, the FDA continues to test water samples and check harvesting gear as part of its probe. The agency advises consumers to wash all produce thoroughly and to be aware of symptoms, which can appear up to 14 days after exposure.
The recall does not affect other Taylor Farms items, such as salad kits sold under the company's branding.
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that infects the small intestine and is often transmitted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea, which can persist for weeks if untreated. The FDA's investigation on the farm includes testing water sources and inspecting equipment to find the contamination point. Outbreaks of cyclospora have previously been associated with imported produce such as raspberries and basil, making this latest outbreak a concerning addition to the pattern.
This is not Taylor Farms' first recall. In 2024, the company recalled yellow onions tied to an E. coli outbreak. According to the CDC, that outbreak caused over 100 illnesses and one death. McDonald's received those onions.
In 2020, Taylor Farms recalled onions that were sold at Kroger and Walmart. In the prior year, the company recalled certain salad kits because the packaging did not list soy and sesame as ingredients, which are common allergens.
These recurring recalls highlight the persistent food safety challenges that large produce suppliers face. The 2024 E. coli outbreak was particularly severe, resulting in a death and affecting a major fast-food chain, while the current cyclospora outbreak has sickened far more people across a wider geographic area. The FDA continues to push for stronger safety measures across the supply chain.
For most shoppers, the impact should be small. Less than 1% of the iceberg lettuce in the U.S. came from that farm. The outbreak has already hit 34 states.
The FDA is still investigating the specific conditions at the farm involved.
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