Is your lettuce safe? What H-E-B, Whole Foods say as Cyclospora cases rise in Austin

Austin shoppers do not need to avoid lettuce sold at H-E-B or Whole Foods as health officials investigate a spike in Cyclospora infections across Central Texas.

Neither grocery chain received products included in a voluntary recall tied to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak, according to the companies and federal recall notices. Austin Public Health also said its investigation has not linked local illnesses to any specific grocery store, restaurant or food item.

That reassurance comes as Austin Public Health investigates a sharp increase in Cyclospora infections. The department had confirmed 33 cases in Austin and Travis County as of July 20. One case was reported in February, while the other 32 were identified in July.

The total matches all of 2023 but remains below the 39 cases reported in 2025, 41 in 2024 and 83 in 2022. Local infections have historically peaked during June and July.

Texas has recorded 98 laboratory-confirmed cases since the state's cyclosporiasis season began May 1, up from 43 during the same period last year and 49 in 2024. Fifteen people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.

State health officials said case counts are slightly higher than expected but not dramatically elevated. By July 20, 2023, Texas had recorded 180 cases.

"Investigations are underway to determine the source of these cases," Austin Public Health spokesperson William Mal said. "Our investigations so far have not found any connection to a particular food item, restaurant or grocery store."

State officials also said they have found no laboratory or epidemiological evidence linking Texas cases to a separate outbreak involving Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia.

Federal investigators traced that outbreak through epidemiological and supply-chain evidence to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The company voluntarily recalled certain iceberg lettuce products and removed other affected lettuce from the food-service market.

Some recalled products were distributed in Texas, including certain Marketside lettuce packages sold at select Walmart stores and lettuce supplied to food-service customers. Walmart did not respond to a request for comment.

The Food and Drug Administration initially reported a positive lettuce sample but later determined the result was a false positive. No product sample has tested positive for Cyclospora, though the voluntary recall and investigation remain ongoing.

Are H-E-B and Whole Foods products affected?

H-E-B said none of the products on its shelves were affected by the voluntary Taylor Farms recall, and federal recall notices have not identified the retailer as receiving affected lettuce.

"At H-E-B, the safety of our products is our top priority," the company said. "We work with trusted suppliers who must follow H-E-B's strict health and safety standards."

The grocer said it is monitoring the investigation and encourages customers to wash produce before eating it.

Whole Foods Market also said none of the recalled products were distributed to its stores or through Amazon, citing the FDA recall list and confirmation from its supplier.

Can washing lettuce remove Cyclospora?

Austin Public Health said washing fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of illness but does not guarantee Cyclospora has been removed.

The department said cooking is the only reliable way to kill the parasite, which dies when food reaches 158 degrees.

People experiencing intestinal symptoms who believe they may have cyclosporiasis should contact a doctor, the department said.

Local and statewide case totals remain preliminary and could change as additional infections are confirmed.

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