Iowa Among 27 States Affected by Cyclospora-Tainted Iceberg Lettuce Recall
Iowa consumers are urged to check their refrigerators after Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of shredded iceberg lettuce potentially contaminated with cyclospora, a parasite that has sickened thousands across the Midwest and beyond. The recall covers lettuce distributed to 27 states, including Iowa, between June 29 and July 16.
The company said it is actively removing the products from store shelves and has suspended distribution of iceberg lettuce from Central Mexico to the United States. Consumers who purchased the recalled lettuce should discard it immediately and not eat it, Taylor Farms warned.
Which States Are Affected?
The recall includes Iowa and 26 other states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The FDA said more states could be added as the investigation continues.
What Brands and Stores Are Involved?
The recall notice includes brand abbreviations and product descriptions with use-by dates but does not name specific retailers or restaurants. However, major companies have already taken action. Sysco, a national food distributor, said it proactively removed all Taylor Farms processed iceberg lettuce products from Mexico and instructed customers to destroy them. Walmart removed four Marketside-branded bagged iceberg lettuce salad products from select locations as a precaution, though it said there is no indication its products were affected by the outbreak.
Taco Bell also removed the lettuce from its restaurants and its nationwide supply chain after federal health officials linked a large cyclospora outbreak in the Midwest to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms and served at some Taco Bell locations in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
What Is Cyclospora and Why Should Iowans Care?
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes an intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramping, and bloating that can last for weeks and lead to dehydration. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly 7,000 confirmed or suspected cases in 34 states since May 1, making this one of the largest outbreaks on record.
The Michigan state health department has reported more than 5,000 cases during the outbreak investigation alone. While the outbreak linked to the lettuce is considered regional and centered in the Midwest, the FDA said multiple investigations are underway, including some involving single states and cases not yet tied to any cluster.
Taylor Farms Has a History of Recalls
This is not the first time Taylor Farms produce has been linked to illness outbreaks. The company was tied to E. coli cases from slivered onions in 2024 and cyclospora cases from lettuce in 2013. Federal health officials continue to urge consumers to stay informed and take precautions.
What Should Iowans Do Now?
If you purchased shredded iceberg lettuce between June 29 and July 16, check the packaging for Taylor Farms branding or related product codes. When in doubt, throw it out. Symptoms of cyclosporiasis can appear days or weeks after exposure, so anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea or stomach issues should contact a healthcare provider.
The FDA and CDC are monitoring the situation closely. For the latest updates, visit the FDA's recall page or check with your local grocery store.