Photo Credit: Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) Website
(OPGOV GLOBAL) – The F.D.A. recently confirmed the recent cyclosporiasis outbreak originated from Taylor Farms, but now has retracted its statement, though an investigation into the produce giant is still underway.
What began weeks ago as a minor outbreak of the food-borne parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis quickly erupted into a country-wide outbreak affecting over 7,000 individuals in 34 states and counting.
The infection was rumored to have come from re-packaged lettuce, fresh cut herbs, and fresh berries that are difficult to wash, even with commercial equipment and sanitation detergents. Affected people have taken to the internet to self-report their illnesses, including a recent post on NextDoor in the Gilbert, Arizona area, where many residents reported what they ate and from where, and how long ago they contracted the infection.
The Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.) reports only 1,645 lab-confirmed cases, though that number does not account for the thousands of cases who did not seek or require medical attention for their symptoms, which range from nausea and loss of appetite to severe diarrhea and dehydration.
The ongoing investigation by the F.D.A. includes an international subsidiary of Taylor Farms, Taylor Farms de Mexico, which is allegedly not yet in the clear for the spread of infection.
Taylor Farms released a statement on the evening of July 20 regarding the ongoing issue, reading as follows:
“On July 17 we voluntarily recalled all iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico that was identified as the potential source of the Cyclospora outbreak.
This recall has been completed with products removed from the marketplace.
No Taylor Farms branded products are involved in this recall.
We are no longer sourcing iceberg lettuce grown in central Mexico for the remainder of the growing season.
We currently have experts on site in central Mexico investigating all potential sources of contamination.
We are committed to working closely with health officials during this ongoing investigation.”
Photo Credit: Taylor Farms Newsroom
The F.D.A. updated its investigation on July 19 regarding the alleged false positive, stating, “Due to the complexity in detection of Cyclospora, FDA laboratory experts re-reviewed the sample results and have concluded that the finding does not represent true amplification and should be considered a false positive.”
It also stated in the same update that there are no confirmed positive samples taken from any retail products, despite several aggressive recalls by Taylor Farms over the past week and positive samples from Taco Bell, whose lettuce is supplied by Taylor Farms.
Taco Bell also released a statement recently that the chain has also recalled any Taylor Farms lettuce in its products, even after pre-emptively removing certain ingredients in an attempt to mitigate the spread of cyclosporiasis among its customers and staff. However, some reports claim that the epidemiological evidence still points to Taylor Farms de Mexico.
The ongoing spread of cyclospora comes after the F.D.A. rolled back food product testing for six different common infectious pathogens following deep budget cuts that also significantly cut into the staff budget.
This rollback took place on April 17, 2025, which was announced publicly in advance. Several reports from news outlets and nutrition experts are questioning the four major product recalls the company has faced in the last five years.
That line of questioning comes alongside a generous donation of $1 Million USD from Taylor Fresh Foods to MAGA, Inc. just days after the announcement of the budget cuts by the F.D.A. in 2025 as confirmed by the Federal Election Commission.
Photo Credit: Federal Election Commission
Though no official investigatory materials have confirmed a direct link between Taylor Fresh Foods and the F.D.A. in the way of bribery, public allegations continue to spark conversation surrounding food safety in the United States.
This an ongoing investigation. OpGov.News will continue to report on this story as details develop.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at tracy.t@lead4earth.org.
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