Key facts
- How it happens: fecal-contaminated irrigation or wash water — not the plant itself.
- Historically linked: raspberries, blackberries, basil, cilantro, leafy greens, snap peas.
- Washing: reduces risk but doesn’t guarantee removal; cooking is more protective.
- 2026 source: CDC/FDA linked shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell (5 states) to Taylor Farms de Mexico — see the recall.
Cyclospora doesn’t grow in the plant — it gets onto produce through water contaminated with human feces, typically irrigation or wash water. Fresh items with lots of surface texture — the “nooks and crannies” of berries and leafy herbs — can trap the oocysts, which is why certain foods keep appearing in outbreak investigations.
Historically linked foods
Past U.S. and Canadian outbreaks have been tied to imported raspberries and blackberries, fresh basil and cilantro, leafy greens/lettuce, and snap peas. This is a pattern from prior investigations, not a statement about any specific current product. See the outbreak tracker for the current, sourced status.
What’s known about the 2026 source
How to reduce your risk
Washing lowers risk but cannot fully remove Cyclospora oocysts; cooking is more protective. Work through the interactive checklist:
Is it safe to eat salad?
For most people, there is no need to avoid all fresh produce. Follow current official guidance on any specifically named items, use the risk-reduction steps above, and watch for symptoms after eating. If symptoms develop and persist, learn about testing after exposure.
Think you were exposed? The GI-MAP™ screens for Cyclospora and other foodborne parasites.
Order Your GI-MAP™ Test → How it worksFrequently asked questions
What foods carry Cyclospora?
Historically imported raspberries, blackberries, basil, cilantro, leafy greens and snap peas.
Does washing produce kill Cyclospora?
It reduces risk but doesn’t guarantee removal; cooking is more protective.
Is it safe to eat lettuce right now?
There’s no blanket recall — follow current guidance on affected items and use standard washing steps.
Does cooking kill Cyclospora?
Cooking reduces risk more effectively than washing alone.
Has any brand's lettuce been recalled?
Yes. In July 2026 Taylor Farms de Mexico initiated a voluntary recall of shredded iceberg lettuce linked by CDC/FDA to a Cyclospora outbreak at Taco Bell in five states; Taylor Farms said its branded retail salads are not implicated. See our lettuce recall guide.
Sources & further reading
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora).
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency — Food safety & imported-produce surveillance.
- Public Health Agency of Canada — Cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora).
- Public Health Ontario — Cyclosporiasis disease information.
Outbreak figures reflect the named authorities as of the dates shown and should be re-verified against the current CDC and PHAC data.