Taylor Farms releases statement amid cyclosporiasis outbreak

Key Points:

• Taylor Farms, under investigation for a U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak, has issued a broad recall of iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico and suspended production there despite no positive Cyclospora tests on their products so far.
• The CDC and FDA expanded the outbreak investigation to nine states, including Illinois, where 513 cases have been reported; at least 1,947 infections linked to Taco Bell exposure have been identified nationwide, with 98 hospitalizations but no deaths.
• The recalled iceberg lettuce was distributed to grocery stores and restaurants across more than two dozen states, including Walmart locations in 16 states; Taco Bell has stopped using lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
• Health officials urge residents in affected states to avoid recalled lettuce, practice good food hygiene, and seek medical care if experiencing symptoms like ongoing diarrhea, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly and infants.
• Taylor Farms is conducting an independent review of its food safety protocols in Mexico and continues cooperating with health authorities as the FDA investigation remains ongoing.