Iceberg Lettuce Recalled in Iowa and 26 Other States Over Cyclospora Contamination

By John Damon | Just The News Iowa

A major recall of iceberg lettuce is affecting Iowa consumers after Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of shredded iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states, including Iowa, due to potential contamination with cyclospora — a parasite linked to thousands of cases of severe diarrhea across the country.

The recall, announced July 18, covers product distributed from June 29 through July 16. Iowa is among the states listed, along with neighboring states Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said more states could be added as the investigation continues.

What Iowa Consumers Need to Know

Taylor Farms said it is actively removing the affected products from the market and has suspended distribution of iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico to the United States. The company urged consumers who purchased the recalled lettuce to discard it immediately and not consume it.

The recall notice includes brand abbreviations and some product descriptions with use-by dates, but does not list specific retailers or product names. Taylor Farms stated that no Taylor Farms-branded salads or kits are involved, and no Taylor Farms-branded salad kits contain iceberg lettuce.

The FDA noted that Taylor Fresh Foods has not publicly provided distribution information or a list of customers who received the product. This lack of transparency has frustrated some Iowa consumers and retailers trying to determine if they are affected.

Outbreak Linked to Taco Bell Restaurants

Federal health officials have linked a large cyclospora outbreak in the Midwest to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at some Taco Bell restaurants in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Taco Bell said Friday it has removed the lettuce from its restaurants and its nationwide supply chain.

Restaurant food distributor Sysco also announced it is withdrawing all Taylor Farms-processed iceberg lettuce and stopped sale and distribution of those products on Thursday.

While no Taco Bell locations in Iowa have been directly linked to the outbreak, the regional nature of the contamination raises concerns for Iowa consumers who may have purchased the lettuce from other retailers.

Cyclosporiasis: Symptoms and Risks

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramping, and bloating that can last for weeks, leading to dehydration. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nearly 7,000 confirmed or suspected cases across 34 states since May 1.

The Michigan state health department has reported more than 5,000 cases during its outbreak investigation, calling it the largest cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history. While Michigan officials said they cannot be certain every illness is linked to the same source, the sharp increase in cases strongly suggests a common origin.

Taylor Farms Has History of Contamination

This is not the first time Taylor Farms produce has been tied to illness outbreaks. The company was linked to E. coli cases tied to slivered onions in 2024 and cyclospora cases linked with lettuce in 2013. These recurring issues raise questions about the company's food safety protocols and oversight.

What Iowa Residents Should Do

Iowa consumers who have purchased iceberg lettuce from any retailer between June 29 and July 16 should check for recall notices and discard any affected product. If you experience symptoms of cyclosporiasis, contact your healthcare provider and report the illness to local health authorities.

The FDA and CDC continue to investigate the outbreak. For updates, visit the FDA's recall page or the CDC's cyclosporiasis website.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.