Iowa Cyclospora Outbreak: What You Need to Know About the Taylor Farms Lettuce Recall

A massive multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis has sickened more than 7,000 people, and Iowa consumers are among those affected. The outbreak, linked to Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce, has prompted a major recall that includes products distributed in Iowa. Here is what you need to know to protect your family.

Is It Safe to Eat Lettuce Now?

The Food and Drug Administration has not backed away from its warning. Despite a false positive lab test over the weekend, the FDA reiterated Monday that the overwhelming evidence still points to Taylor Farms de Mexico shredded iceberg lettuce as the source. The agency's official advice remains clear: Do not eat recalled iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.

FDA officials wrote on X, 'To clarify, this false-positive lab sample DOES NOT change the basis for FDA's ongoing outbreak investigation or the overwhelming epidemiological data supporting the current voluntary recall by Taylor Farms.'

What Products Are Recalled in Iowa?

Taylor Farms de Mexico published a recall list covering 27 states, including Iowa. The recall covers bulk food service products like shredded, chopped, and salad-mix iceberg lettuce, as well as packaged blends of iceberg and romaine lettuce. Several Marketside-brand lettuce products sold at Walmart are also included, with best if used by dates from July 18 to August 3, 2026.

If you have any of these products, check the code and date on the packaging. Stop using them immediately and throw them away, or return them to the store for a refund. For questions, call 855-455-0098 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Is Taco Bell the Only Concern?

No. While the outbreak has been concentrated in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia, investigators identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the single-source supplier of shredded iceberg lettuce used at Taco Bell locations where sick people ate. But Taylor Farms supplies more than just Taco Bell.

Sysco, one of the world's largest food distributors, stopped distributing all Taylor Farms processed iceberg lettuce products from Mexico out of an abundance of caution. Sysco supplies cafeterias, restaurants, hospitals, and hotels nationwide.

Can I Eat Romaine Lettuce or Other Vegetables?

Not necessarily. The investigation is ongoing, and other products could still be implicated. Past cyclosporiasis outbreaks in the U.S. have been linked to raspberries, cabbage, basil, cilantro, parsley, broccoli, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and leafy greens. Food safety experts advise caution, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Barbara Kowalcyk, director of George Washington University's Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security, said, 'It may not be just Taco Bell, it may not be just Taylor Farms, it may not be just lettuce. Lots of products carry the risk of being contaminated with cyclospora.'

What Should I Do If I Want to Eat Taco Bell?

Taco Bell has voluntarily removed all affected Taylor Farms lettuce from every restaurant nationwide. If you are still worried, food safety experts recommend reheating takeout to at least 158 degrees Fahrenheit, which kills the parasite. You can also choose cooked vegetables instead of raw salad.

How Can I Stay Safe?

Always wash all produce thoroughly, regardless of outbreaks. Avoid eating recalled or implicated raw lettuce. If you are buying salad right now, ask about the recall. Many experts prefer to buy whole heads of lettuce and discard damaged leaves, as bacteria can enter through those spots.

Iowa consumers should stay informed by checking the FDA and CDC websites for updates. The investigation is not over, and new information could emerge at any time.