FDA Retracts Cyclospora Positive Finding in Taco Bell Lettuce Supplier as False Positive

WASHINGTON: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that a sample of iceberg lettuce from supplier Taylor Farms de Mexico—initially reported as testing positive for the Cyclospora parasite—was determined to be a false positive following a laboratory re-review. The retraction leaves health investigators without a confirmed positive product test result as a major multistate outbreak continues.

Despite the retracted sample result, federal and state health agencies confirmed that the broader epidemiological investigation into the foodborne outbreak remains ongoing.

Laboratory Complexity and Re-Review Findings

The FDA explained that due to the technical complexity involved in detecting Cyclospora, laboratory experts re-examined the initial test data and concluded that the result did not reflect true DNA amplification.

Key developments surrounding the retracted test include:

• No Confirmed Product Positives: As of July 19, 2026, health authorities confirmed that there are zero confirmed positive product sample results for Cyclospora across all tested produce.
• Supplier Response: Taylor Fresh Foods stated that the FDA notified the company of the laboratory error. The supplier confirmed it would maintain its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico out of an abundance of caution while assisting public health agencies.
• Taco Bell Action: Taco Bell previously removed all affected shredded iceberg lettuce sourced from the supplier across impacted locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Ongoing Outbreak and Health Guidance

The CDC and FDA continue to track the outbreak, which has been linked to over 1,600 reported cases of cyclosporiasis and nearly 100 hospitalizations across multiple states. Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that causes gastrointestinal illness, including severe diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

Federal health officials advise consumers and food service operators to remain vigilant and follow official recall directives as sample collection and testing continue nationwide.