Iowa Among 27 States Hit by Cyclospora-Linked Iceberg Lettuce Recall

By John Damon | Just The News Iowa

Iowa consumers should check their refrigerators immediately after a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico expanded to include 27 states, with the FDA confirming the recall stands despite a false positive test result. The recall, announced July 17, covers Marketside-brand Iceberg Salad and Shredded Lettuce sold at select Walmart stores, along with bulk products shipped to restaurants across the Midwest and beyond.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to link the lettuce to a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic intestinal illness. As of July 18, the CDC reported more than 1,644 people sickened after eating at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, with 94 hospitalizations and no deaths. Illnesses began between May 13 and July 13.

Nationally, nearly 7,000 cyclosporiasis cases have been confirmed or are under investigation since May 1, according to the CDC. Case counts are expected to rise as more reports are confirmed.

What Iowa Consumers Need to Know

The recalled products include Marketside-brand Iceberg Salad (12-oz and 24-oz) and Shredded Lettuce (8-oz and 16-oz) with Best if Used By dates from July 18 to August 3, 2026. These items were sold at select Walmart stores in Iowa and other states. The full list of affected states includes Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Consumers who have the recalled lettuce should throw it away or return it to the store for a refund, the FDA said.

False Positive Complicates Investigation

The investigation took a confusing turn over the weekend. A lettuce sample from Taylor Farms initially tested positive for Cyclospora on Saturday, but FDA laboratory experts reviewed the result and concluded it was a false positive. As of July 19, there are no confirmed positive product samples tied to the outbreak, the FDA said. The recall remains in effect as the investigation continues.

Experts say testing for Cyclospora is notoriously difficult, which can lead to errors. Donald Schaffner, chair of the Department of Food Science at Rutgers University, told NBC News that the recall was “the right thing” to do regardless of the lab results. False positives are always possible with this parasite, he added, and he hoped consumers would not dismiss the warning.

Health Risks and Symptoms

Cyclosporiasis symptoms include watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, cramps, nausea, and fatigue, and can last weeks if untreated. People with weakened immune systems may become more seriously ill. Anyone experiencing symptoms after eating recalled lettuce should contact their healthcare provider.

Taco Bell Changes Supplier

Taco Bell, which received the lettuce for locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, has announced it will no longer use lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. The FDA traceback investigation pointed to the single supplier as the source of shredded iceberg lettuce used at the Taco Bell locations where people got sick. Most patients interviewed reported eating iceberg lettuce, the agency said.

Government Accountability and Food Safety

This recall highlights ongoing concerns about food safety and the need for strong oversight of imported produce. Iowa families deserve to know that the food on their tables is safe. The FDA and CDC continue to investigate, but the false positive result underscores the challenges of detecting Cyclospora. Consumers should remain vigilant and follow recall instructions.

For more information, visit the FDA’s recall page or contact your local health department.