FDA Reverses Finding After False Positive Test for Cyclospora

Taylor Farms, a leading US-based fresh-produce giant, has issued a statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mistakenly informed it that a sample of its shredded iceberg lettuce tested positive for a parasite amid a multi-state outbreak.

According to the company, the FDA reversed the finding on Sunday, determining that the purported positive test for the microscopic Cyclospora parasite, which causes the intestinal illness cyclosporiasis, was a false positive.

"Today, FDA apologized to us," the company said in a statement. "Today, we were informed that FDA made a mistake."

Recall Initiated After Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of its shredded iceberg lettuce on Friday after federal health investigators linked the produce sourced from central Mexico to a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak through a traceback investigation.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that at least 1,644 people in five states have been infected, including 94 hospitalizations, since May 13, with no reported fatalities.

The FDA said that its traceback investigation identified Taylor Farms de Mexico as the supplier, prompting the company to initiate the voluntary recall.

However, on Saturday, federal investigators reported that a sample collected during targeted import surveillance tested positive for Cyclospora, leading to concerns that the produce may still be in circulation.

Taylor Farms Clarifies Situation

On Sunday, Taylor Farms clarified the situation, stating that it had completed the voluntary recall and that all of its other produce is available for purchase.

"To be clear, at this moment, the FDA has not identified a single positive product test result for Cyclospora," the company said.

The FDA confirmed that it had discovered the false positive after rechecking the results of the purported positive sample.

"As of July 19, 2026, there are no confirmed positive sample results for product testing for Cyclospora," the FDA said in a statement.

Taylor Farms expressed its commitment to working with public health authorities as the ongoing outbreak investigation continues.

Outbreak Details

• At least 1,644 people in five states have been infected with cyclosporiasis since May 13.
• 94 hospitalizations have been reported.
• No fatalities have been reported.

The outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Taylor Farms’ shredded iceberg lettuce was sourced from central Mexico, which was identified as the supplier by the FDA’s traceback investigation.