Cyclospora & the 2026 Lettuce Recall: Taco Bell, Taylor Farms & Foods to Avoid

Educational overview · Medically reviewed by Madison Ordway, FDN-P
Last updated: 17 July 2026 · this is a developing story — verify with CDC/FDA

What happened

In mid-July 2026, the CDC warned consumers not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five states — Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia — after linking it to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak. An FDA traceback identified iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, grown on a single farm in central Mexico that FDA said represents less than 1% of the U.S. iceberg lettuce supply. On 17 July 2026, Taylor Farms de Mexico said it would voluntarily remove that lettuce and initiate a recall, while stating that its branded retail salads are not implicated in the outbreak.

Importantly, health officials believe more than one source may be driving the broader 2026 cyclosporiasis surge, and other cases nationally are considered unrelated to the Taco Bell outbreak. So the recall addresses one confirmed source — not necessarily every case.

Foods to avoid — and the safe ones

Based on CDC/FDA guidance and past outbreaks:

• Avoid now: shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell in the five affected states.
• Higher-risk historically: pre-cut and bagged salad mixes/kits, raspberries and blackberries, fresh basil and cilantro, and snap peas.
• Considered safe: cooked foods, commercially frozen produce, and peeled fruit have not been linked to Cyclospora — cooking and freezing are the safest options. Choose whole, uncut produce over pre-cut.

Work through the produce risk-reduction checklist:

Did you eat the recalled lettuce? What to do

Most people exposed won’t become ill. If you ate shredded iceberg lettuce at an affected Taco Bell, watch for Cyclospora symptoms — the hallmark is watery diarrhea, which typically starts about a week after exposure and can come and go. Because routine stool tests often miss Cyclospora, specific testing may be needed if symptoms persist.

What about Canada?

Canada’s situation is different: PHAC was not investigating a domestic outbreak, and Quebec’s rise in cases (107 as of 11 July 2026) has been linked mostly to travel, chiefly to Mexico, rather than to the U.S. Taco Bell lettuce. See Cyclospora in Canada for the full picture.

Frequently asked questions

Is Taco Bell lettuce recalled for Cyclospora?

CDC/FDA linked a July 2026 outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in 5 states; supplier Taylor Farms de Mexico began a voluntary recall on 17 July 2026.

What lettuce is being recalled?

Shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico (a single central-Mexico farm, <1% of U.S. supply). Taylor Farms says its branded retail salads are not implicated.

Is Taylor Farms lettuce safe to eat?

The specific shredded iceberg linked to Taco Bell is being recalled; Taylor Farms says branded retail salads aren't implicated. Follow current CDC/FDA guidance.

What foods should I avoid?

The affected Taco Bell shredded iceberg; historically pre-cut/bagged greens, raspberries, basil, cilantro and snap peas. Cooked, frozen and peeled foods are considered safe.

Is it safe to eat lettuce right now?

There's no blanket lettuce recall; you don't need to avoid all produce. Prefer whole over pre-cut greens and follow official guidance.

I ate the recalled lettuce — what should I do?

Most won't get sick. Watch for watery diarrhea (about a week later); see a provider if severe or persistent. Routine tests often miss Cyclospora, so specific testing may be needed.

Related: Complete Cyclospora guide · Outbreak tracker · Contaminated produce & prevention · Symptoms · Testing · Canada · Order the GI-MAP