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Taylor Farms has recalled several lettuce products after federal officials linked it to a widespread cyclosporiasis outbreak, though an investigation into the exact source of the parasitic illness is still ongoing.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which initially announced that a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms had tested positive for cyclospora, has since said the result was a false positive.
None of the samples tested for cyclospora in this outbreak have been confirmed positive as of July 19, the FDA said. The agency said it continues to work with Taylor Farms as it investigates the source of the outbreak and test samples.
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Taylor Farms remains linked to the outbreak through the FDA investigation and "out of an abundance of caution" issued an expansive voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce products on July 17.
The FDA said the lettuce was sold in part through Taco Bell locations in five states.
Cases of cyclosporiasis have surged in more than 30 states in recent weeks. People who contract the illness usually have "explosive" diarrhea and other severe gastrointestinal issues. Here's a look at all the products pulled so far tied to the outbreak.
Which Taylor Farms lettuce has been recalled? See list of items sold at Walmart
Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17 because it could be contaminated with cyclospora.
The affected products include lettuce served in food service including at Taco Bell restaurants as well as some bagged lettuce products sold at Walmart under the Marketside brand. The Walmart items are the only affected products that have been sold in retail.
"The health and safety of our customers is a top priority," Walmart said in a statement on July 18.
The affected items include:
According to the FDA, they were sold at Walmart stores in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
The products can be identified by "Best if Used By" dates ranging from July 18 through Aug. 3.
Anyone with the affected products should discard or return them for a refund.
Where else did recalled Taylor Farms lettuce go? See list
Other than the retail products sold at Walmart, the rest of the recalled Taylor Farms lettuce products were sent to a variety of food service distributors.
Both the FDA notice and the Taylor Farms recall notice list the brands of distributors involved in the recall as abbreviations only.
In addition to Taco Bell and Walmart, Sysco confirmed on July 17 that it was among the affected distributors and had removed the lettuce, Reuters reported.
US Foods also confirmed to USA TODAY that its Cross Valley Farms brand is part of the recall. The company said it began notifying customers of the recall on July 17.
USA TODAY has reached out to Taylor Farms and a variety of produce distributors for further information about which brands are involved.
See the full list:
What is cyclosporiasis? Symptoms, treatment
Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The illness is not usually life-threatening and can be treated with antibiotics, but symptoms may last longer for those who are immunocompromised, according to the agency.
Common symptoms of cyclosporiasis include diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea and fatigue.
While some people who are infected may not have symptoms, those who do may be sick for up to a month or more, per the CDC.
Contributing: Mike Snider
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. Keep up with her on X @melinakh and Instagram @bymelinakhan.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See full list of items included in Taylor Farms lettuce recall
