Taylor Farms headquarters in Orlando, Fl, an American Food products supplier. (Shutterstock photo)
Taylor Farms has announced it is removing all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico from its supply chain after federal investigators linked the product to a growing multistate Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened at least 1,644 people across 34 states since May. The voluntary action comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to investigate the source of the contamination.
Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter
According to investigators, the outbreak has been traced to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in several Midwestern states, including Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. Taco Bell has removed the affected lettuce from its restaurants and is replacing it with product from other suppliers as a precaution.
You might like these Chicago Star articles:
• If walls could talk: Gibsons hosts a night of presidents, power players and Hollywood legends
• Super star-studded celebration for the Obama Presidential Center Opening
• Chicago Hounds make rugby history as Chef Art Smith adds star power
• The Peninsula celebrates 25 years in delightfully decadent style
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness that can trigger severe watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. Symptoms typically appear about a week after consuming contaminated food and may last for weeks if left untreated. Health officials recommend anyone experiencing prolonged symptoms seek medical attention.
Taylor Farms said it is "deeply concerned" about those affected and emphasized that the FDA's investigation points to a single farm in central Mexico representing less than 1% of the U.S. iceberg lettuce supply. Despite the limited scope, the California-based produce company said it has indefinitely removed all iceberg lettuce from that growing region while the investigation continues. The company also stated that its branded salad kits and other Taylor Farms products are not involved in the outbreak reports Business Insider.
The outbreak has renewed concerns about food safety within the fresh produce industry. Taylor Farms was also linked to a separate 2024 foodborne illness investigation involving onions supplied to McDonald's restaurants, although that incident involved a different pathogen and product.
Federal health officials continue to trace the contaminated lettuce through the supply chain while testing additional samples. Consumers are encouraged to follow updates from the FDA and CDC as the investigation evolves.
Source links:
Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/0836ce7e4d641035a80e847b23882369
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.