Summer Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Hit 27 States, Including Iowa, as Officials Stress Food Safety

Iowa is among 27 states affected by a massive cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants, part of a broader summer surge in foodborne illnesses that has prompted recalls and hospitalizations across the country.

The Food and Drug Administration is responding to tens of thousands of cyclosporiasis cases, along with separate outbreaks of E. coli and salmonella. While Trump administration health officials insist the U.S. food supply remains safe, the outbreaks have forced widespread recalls and sickened consumers in multiple states.

What is cyclosporiasis and how does it affect Iowans?

Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic illness that causes watery diarrhea, frequent bowel movements, stomach cramps, nausea and fatigue. Symptoms can sometimes last for weeks and may not appear until two weeks after consuming contaminated food or water.

The current outbreak, linked to iceberg lettuce from a Mexican Taylor Farms facility, has been reported in 27 states including Iowa. Nearly 25,000 cases have been confirmed nationwide, with close to 14,000 in Michigan alone. Two deaths have been tied to the outbreak, though none have been linked to E. coli or salmonella, according to public health officials.

Salmonella recalls hit eggs and jalapeños

Last month, the FDA designated a salmonella recall of white and brown eggs from Midwest Poultry Services as a Class 1 recall, the agency's highest-risk designation. The eggs were sold in six states: Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi and New Mexico. Texas reported 73 of the 98 cases, with 26 hospitalizations nationwide.

Consumers can identify the recalled eggs by the code number P-1950 or 0840962 with a Julian Date between 157 and 184, printed on the carton.

Earlier this month, Coast Citrus Distributors recalled jalapeños used in pico de gallo, stuffed mushrooms and soup sold in 27 states. Colorado and Minnesota have seen the majority of the 345 illnesses and 36 hospitalizations linked to that outbreak.

Salmonella causes about 1.35 million infections in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and can lead to more severe complications including artery infections, arthritis and heart infections that can be fatal in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

E. coli and berry recalls add to concerns

Publix also announced a recall of GreenWise organic Frozen Whole Blueberries and Whole Mixed Berries last month after a dozen people were sickened in Florida and Georgia. The products were distributed in eight states, including Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

E. coli bacteria, found naturally in the intestines of people and animals, can produce powerful Shiga toxins that may lead to kidney failure and death. Symptoms typically begin three to four days after consuming contaminated food and include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

What should Iowans do to stay safe?

Health officials recommend washing fresh produce thoroughly, cooking foods to proper temperatures and checking recall notices before consuming packaged items. Consumers who experience severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.

The FDA continues to monitor the outbreaks and work with producers to address contamination sources. Officials stress that while these outbreaks are serious, the overall U.S. food supply remains among the safest in the world.

Frequently asked questions about the outbreaks

Which states are affected by the cyclosporiasis outbreak?

The 27 affected states include Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, 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.

How can consumers identify recalled eggs?

Recalled eggs from Midwest Poultry Services can be identified by the code P-1950 or 0840962 with a Julian Date between 157 and 184 printed on the carton.

What are the symptoms of these foodborne illnesses?

Cyclosporiasis causes watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea and fatigue. Salmonella leads to diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. E. coli causes severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, and can lead to kidney failure in severe cases.